He composed mazurkas, polonaises, waltzes, &c.

At the age of ten he dedicated a march to the Grand Duke Constantine, who had it scored for a military band and played on parade (subsequently it was also published, but without the composer's name), and these productions gave such evident proof of talent that his father deemed it desirable to get his friend Elsner to instruct him in harmony and counterpoint.

At this time, however, it was not as yet in contemplation that Frederick should become a professional musician; on the contrary, he was made to understand that his musical studies must not interfere with his other studies, as he was then preparing for his entrance into the Warsaw Lyceum.

As we know that this event took place in 1824, we know also the approximate time of the commencement of Elsner's lessons.

Fontana says that Chopin began these studies when he was already remarkable as a pianist.