During his childhood, Buenaventura received formal lessons in music from Modesto Enrile, a recognized town musician, teacher, and composer of zarzuelas, whom he described as the “best teacher in solfeggio”.
From being a piano student, he shifted to science and composition at the University of the Philippines under Maestro Nicanor Abelardo. He also took up conducting classes under Director Alexander Lippay of the UP Conservatory of Music. In 1929, he graduated with a Teacher’s Diploma in Music, majoring in Science and Composition. He earned his postgraduate degree in Science and Composition in 1933 after taking courses from Professor Jeno Von Tackacs, a well-known German professor.
Aside from his academic achievements, Buenaventura also excelled in extracurricular activities. He became the President of Music Senior Organization, a student representative on the board of management of the Philippine Collegian, and also became a member of the University of the Philippines Student Council. He led the UP ROTC Band, where he organized the first student string quartet and student symphony orchestra in the Philippines. It became the forming basis of the UP Junior Symphony Orchestra.
He received a fellowship grant from UNESCO for further studies in Arts and Music Education at the Institute of International Education in New York City in 1949.