Quantz was born in Oberscheden, Electorate of Hanover. From 1708 to 1713, Quantz studied music with his uncle, Justus Quantz, a town musician in Merseburg. After his uncle died, he studied with the organist Friedrich Kiesewetter. In 1714, Quantz travelled to Pirna, a town near Dresden. He studied Vivaldi's violin concertos. 