His mother taught him violin and a method called solfeggio. Cenizal also taught himself to play the banjo. While studying at U.P. Conservatory of Music, he also played piano at late night radio stations when he was young. This paved the way for his career overseas. Cenizal honed his craft further by playing music in cruises during the summer At 17, he got his first job—conducting the US Army and Navy Club. He continued pursuing music while studying before he quit to pursue his passion. He was also a musical director/composer in several films in the late 1940s such as "Fort Santiago," "Kamagong:Bayani ng Mahirap"(Mahogany:The Poor's Hero) and "Siete Dolores"(Seven Dolores). From the late 1940s until his death, Cenizal composed over 30 songs.
