Cortellini was born in Bologna, and was the son of the composer Gaspare "the viola" Cortellini. In following his father's profession Camillo was nicknamed "violino." His first musical education was received from his father who was employed at the Concerto Palatino. He then was taught by Alfonso Ganass].Rossana Dalmonte Camillo Cortellini, madrigalista bolognese 1980 p9Osvaldo Gambassi Il Concerto Palatino della signoria di Bologna: cinque secoli di vita 1989 p636
