After attending school in Straubing and studying theology at the Lyceum in Regensburg, Josef Kornmüller was ordained a priest in 1847. At Metten Abbey, he served as a music teacher and choir director at the abbey’s higher school. In addition, he served for many years as novice master and prior at the monastery. His recognition as a composer and music historian far beyond the walls of his own monastery is evidenced by the fact that from 1884 to 1903 he served as president of the Diocesan St. Cecilia Society in Regen
