Yan Mikirtumov

I am a professional musician with over thirty years of experience in performance, conducting, composition, and teaching. My career has spanned a wide range of musical environments, including orchestras, choirs, opera and dramatic theatres, concert tours, festivals, workshops, and studio recordings. I specialize in choir and orchestra conducting, piano accompaniment, coaching, composition, arrangements, orchestration, music score editing, and transcriptions from audio recordings to full orchestral scores.

I earned my Doctorate in Music and Musicology from the University of Évora, Portugal (2009–2013), focusing on piano reductions of works by Lopes-Graça, Boulez, and Eötvös. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Composition from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (1997–1998) and a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music with a specialization in Choral Conducting from the Moscow Academy of Choral Art (1992–1997). My early musical training was completed at the State Choral College “A. V. Sveshnikov” in Moscow, where I studied choral direction and music education.

Throughout my career, I have conducted renowned ensembles including the Olissipus Orchestra (Angola), the Classical Orchestra of Madeira, the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon, and choirs such as the Juvenile Choir of Metropolitana and the Brisa Choir. I have participated in international festivals and tours in countries such as France, Germany, Greece, Austria, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Cabo Verde, and Angola. I have also served as a jury member and president of the jury for the International Choir Competition in Freamunde.

As an educator, I have extensive teaching experience in higher education institutions such as Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (2021–present), the Academia Nacional Superior de Orquestra (2002–present), Universidade de Évora (2009–2021), and Instituto Jean Piaget (2006–2016). I teach piano, sight-reading, orchestral reduction, accompaniment, choir conducting, and music interpretation. I have coordinated artistic departments, developed curricula, and guided students of all levels in achieving technical, musical, and expressive excellence.

I hold a Doctorate in Music and Musicology from the University of Évora, Portugal (2009–2013), with a focus on piano reductions of works by Lopes-Graça, Boulez, and Eötvös. I also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Composition at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (1997–1998) and a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music, specializing in Choral Conducting, at the Moscow Academy of Choral Art (1992–1997). My early training at the State Choral College “A. V. Sveshnikov” in Moscow provided me with a solid foundation in choral direction and music education.

Professionally, I have conducted and performed with numerous prestigious ensembles, including the Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon, Olissipus Orchestra (Angola), Classical Orchestra of Madeira, and various choirs such as the Brisa Choir and the Juvenile Choir of Metropolitana. I have participated in international tours and festivals in France, Germany, Greece, Austria, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Cabo Verde, and Angola. I have also served as a jury member and president of the jury at the International Choir Competition in Freamunde, Portugal. As a pianist and accompanist, I have collaborated with soloists and orchestras in competitions, masterclasses, and recordings, performing works ranging from classical to contemporary repertoire.

In teaching, I have over two decades of experience at higher education institutions and conservatories. I am currently a Professor at Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa (2021–present) and the Academia Nacional Superior de Orquestra (2002–present). I have also taught at Universidade de Évora (2009–2021), Instituto Jean Piaget (2006–2016), and various regional conservatories. My teaching covers piano, sight-reading, orchestral reduction, accompaniment, choir conducting, and music interpretation. I have coordinated artistic departments, developed curricula, and guided students of all levels in achieving technical, musical, and expressive excellence.

Additionally, I am an active composer, arranger, and orchestrator, with works ranging from symphonic poems and chamber music to arrangements for popular Portuguese, Cabo Verdean, and Angolan music. Some of my reductions and arrangements have been published by Ricordi, AvA Musical Editions, and Copy-us (Germany). My career also includes extensive work as a singer, performing as a tenor and contratenor with Moscow and Lisbon choirs, in sacred and contemporary music, and in recordings and international tours.

My teaching style is patient, structured, and highly adaptable to each student’s individual needs and goals. I focus on building a strong musical foundation while encouraging creativity and personal expression.

I believe that every student learns differently, so I tailor lessons to match their level, learning pace, and musical interests. Whether you are a beginner, an advanced student, or preparing for exams and performances, my lessons combine technical skill development, musical understanding, and performance practice.

I emphasize:

• Clear explanations and step-by-step guidance

• Developing sight-reading and aural skills

• Encouraging confidence and self-expression in performance

• Integrating theory, harmony, and musicianship into practical learning

My goal is to make learning music both inspiring and rewarding, helping students progress with confidence while fostering a lifelong love for music.