He started college at the age of 10

France's Claude Debussy was a composer. Although he vehemently rejected the term, he is occasionally regarded as the first Impressionist composer. He was one of the composers who had the most impact in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

He was reportedly born into a low-income family with little exposure to the arts. However, his parents believed he would become a piano virtuoso because of how much he enjoyed playing the piano. Debussy demonstrated sufficient musical talent to be accepted at the age of 10 to the Conservatoire de Paris, France's top music school. While at college, he developed a unique music taste and created innovative compositions, much to the displeasure of the professors. Despite the conservative professors at the Conservatoire's disapproval, he initially studied the piano but eventually discovered his passion for creative composition. Unfortunately, the criticism of his manner prevented him from receiving the help he needed to advance his skills quickly. He eventually achieved the fame for which he is known, but not without first beating the odds and developing his craft. He spent many years honing his mature style, and he was almost 40 years old when Pelléas et Mélisande, his sole opera, brought him international acclaim in 1902.