José Manuel Pinheiro was born in São Mamede de Infesta – Matosinhos.

He completed his Advanced Composition Course at the National Conservatory with high marks and did his Advanced Piano Course at the Porto Music Conservatory, as well as part of the General Violin and Singing Course. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Music at the University of Aveiro and completed his Master's Degree in Choral Education (Music Education) at Roehampton University, London with distinction.

In the area of music and education, he has attended courses in Spain, England, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, at the invitation of the Yamaha Music Foundation and other music institutions.

His main activity is related to teaching, education and cultural-musical entertainment. He has organised training courses in the area of Musical Expression for primary school teachers all over the country. He teaches Musical Acoustics and Organology at the Porto Music Conservatory and Ensemble Classes - Choir at Curso de Música Silva Monteiro.

The “ENSEMBLE VOCAL PRO MUSICA” project, of which he has been artistic director since it was founded in 1991, has won prizes at international competitions, of note being the GRAND PRIX AT THE VENICE COMPETITION in September 2007.