 He started to learn music and fine arts at the age of six and instantly won the praise of his tutors, among them the pianist John Field, violinist Gavrila Rachinsky, composer Catterino Cavos, harpist Karl Schulz and painter Mikhail Terebenyov.By age eleven, when he started to write poetry, Devitte had already been recognized as a virtuoso harpist and was regularly performing at high society salons (like the one hosted by Zinaida Volkonskaya, with whom he was later romantically involved), as well as the meetings of the cultural and political elite (Colloquy of Lovers of the Russian Word, Nobility Assemble).In 1826 Devitte, still only 15, started to publish his musical works, mostly songs, music for dances and pieces for harp.