The article highlights on the basis of previously untapped historical sources separate biography pages of the first professional composer of Khakassia, public figure, educator, folklorist Alexander A. Kenel. The author first presents the documents , which provide more complete, new vision of a family history of the composer, his training in various educational institutions of the Northern capital, identifies causal relationships in his actions and deeds. The article examines the steps of A. A. Kenel obtaining vocational education, reveals the problem of choice in the new socio-historical situation.