Noskowski studied at the Institute or Music in Warsaw between 1864–1867, graduating with a second prize. A fellowship enabled him to continue his studied under Friedrich Kile at the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin between December 1872 and April 1875, where he wrote and performed his first work, the "First Symphony in A Major."

Back in Warsaw, Noskowski successfully performed his "First Symphony" and another work, the "Morskie Oko" overture, but was unable to find permanent work. In 1880, at Kiel's recommendation, the city of Konstanz in the Grand Duchy of Baden (southern Germany) hired him as its Municipal Music Director. In addition, he directed the "Bodan" Singing Society, which under his tutelage became the best choir in Baden. In Konstanz, Noskowski wrote his cycle of "Krakowiacy" for piano, which was well received by Franz Liszt and published on his recommendation.

In January 1881, Noskowski moved back to Warsaw and assumed the post of Director of the Warsaw Musical Society. He rebuild the society's choir. Three times, he also attempted to establish a symphony orchestra that would perform only works by Polish composers, but the orchestras struggled financially and never endured for long. Noskowski was forced to write music for popular plays to cover the losses of his orchestras. Starting in 1886, he focused instead on teaching composition at the Warsaw Musical Society.