Born in 1760 in Czáslav, Czech Republic, Dussek began learning piano and organ from his father, Jan Dusík. He went on to study philosophy and theology in Prague before working as an organist and music teacher in the Netherlands, Amsterdam and The Hague. In 1784, he began his career as a piano virtuoso in Berlin, followed by Mainz and St. Petersburg. However, he was forced to leave Russia due to a plot against Empress Catherine II. He then moved to Paris and later London, where he lived for 10 years. He also spent time in Italy and Hamburg before returning to his native country for concerts. He entered the service of Prince Louis Ferdinand, who was killed in the Franco-Prussian War in 1806. Dussek returned to Paris in 1807, where he spent the rest of his life until his death in 1812.
