How did Mozart know about voice leading rules like consecutive fifths?

Question

What education did Mozart receive in order to know basic harmony rules, like consecutive fifths are bad? And how did he make sure his compositions do not have errors? Did he have to check every voices one by one, or did he use writing patterns to avoid mistakes?I know he studied Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum, but this seems to be later in his life, when he had already composed a lot.

Answer 1

Mozart's father Leopold was a court violinist, proficient composer, and music educator. Leopold taught his children music at a young age, and Mozart was no exception. Mozart, himself, demonstrated an unusual aptitude for music (he's considered a child prodigy) and his father had him tour around to show audience's his talent as a performer and musician in general. It is probably from his father that Mozart learned basic compositional strategies and theoretical rules like avoiding consecutive fifths. Additionally, Mozart's touring brought him in contact with many performers, composers, and musical works, all of which surely influenced Mozart's musical style.