Reports by near contemporary sources that Corelli actually studied the violin with Benvenuti, Brugnoli, Bartolomeo Laurenti or Giovanni Battista Bassani remain unconfirmed, as does the claim that the papal contralto Matteo Simonelli taught him composition.
Reports by near contemporary sources link Corelli's musical studies with several master violinists, including Benvenuti, Brugnoli, Bartolomeo Laurenti or Giovanni Battista Bassani. Although historically plausible, these accounts remain largely unconfirmed, as does the claim that the papal contralto Matteo Simonelli taught him composition.