1916 study of composition with Franz Schreker at the Wiener Musikakademie. 1920 Study at the Staatliche Musikhochschule in Berlin due to Schreker relocation to Berlin. From 1923 stay in Switzerland and France. 1925-1927 assistant to Paul Bekker, director of the Kassel Opera. From 1927 Bekker's assistant at the Staatsoper Wiesbaden and world premiere of his opera "Jonny spielt auf", international recognition of his work.

The NS regime bannes his works from being performed soon after. 1928 premier of the "Triptychon" at the Krolloper. 1935-1937 lively literary activity, contributions to the Wiener Zeitung. 1937 travelled to the USA, then emigrated in 1938. From 1939 lecturer at the Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, from 1942-1947 head of the music department and dean of the College of Fine Arts at the School of Fine Arts of Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 1947-1966 guest lecturer at various universities.

1948 first publication of his autobiography "Selbstdarstellung". In 1950 visit to Germany, consequently taking up work as a conductor in Europe again. 1957 visiting professor at Princeton University and 1967 at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland and at the University of Hawaii.