Emile Naoumoff

Emile Naoumoff is Professor of Music (Piano) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he has been on faculty since 1998. A child prodigy, he began piano at age five and composition at six. At seven, he became the final protégé of Nadia Boulanger, who mentored him until her death. He holds a Premier Prix from the Paris Conservatory (1978) and has taught at institutions including the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris.

Research & Artistic Focus

Naoumoff's work spans piano performance, composition (notably French mélodies), and innovative music transcription. He maintains a daily improvisation journal on YouTube, exploring spontaneous creative expression. His performances reinterpret classical works, such as his piano concerto adaptation of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

Performance Career

He has collaborated with leading orchestras (e.g., Los Angeles Philharmonic, Berlin Symphony, National Symphony) and conductors including Leonard Bernstein and Mstislav Rostropovich. Notable partnerships include Yo-Yo Ma, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and the Fine Arts Quartet. He founded a summer academy in France (1996) and teaches at major festivals like Verbier and Banff.