Berlioz was born on December 11, 1803, in the district of Dauphine, France. His father was a respected physician, and his mother was an orthodox Roman Catholic. In his early childhood, Berlioz was given most of the education at home. His father taught him a variety of subjects, such as Latin and literature. As Berlioz's father wished his son to eventually follow his footsteps to become a doctor, simple knowledge of medicine was also introduced to Berlioz during the early years. Although Berlioz learned to play the flute and the guitar, music was encouraged only as a hobbie. His focus and goal, as his father emphasized, should be medicine.