In 1558 he is recorded as a singer at the Cappella Giulia (the Julian Chapel), and in 1561 he was already maestro di cappella of San Luigi de' Francesi; that he rose so quickly to such a prominent position indicates that he was probably a singer prior to the first mention of him at the Cappella Giulia.
The passage suggests that this individual's musical talent was evident before his official recognition as a singer at the Cappella Giulia in 1558. His rapid advancement to maestro di cappella of San Luigi de' Francesi further supports this notion.