NIKOLAY PESTOV
P i a n i s t • T e a c h e r • Founder of the international Open Music School
Nikolay's commitment to music shines through in every lesson and performance, inspiring those around him to share his love for the art. His musical journey beautifully blends performing, teaching, and organizing within the world of classical music. Whether captivating audiences as a concert pianist or energizing music festivals across Europe, he brings enthusiasm and skill to every stage.
"I have dedicated my professional life to piano performance. For more than 15 years, I have studied methods of music education for children. Many children and adults learn to play the piano. However, it is not easy foreveryone. Why? The teacher plays a key role in the student’s artistic development. Choosing a repertoire anddeveloping essential skills through creative, playful methods helps the child achieve professional growth.Building a friendly connection inspires a love for music. These things allow a child, teenager, or adult to startplaying the piano quickly. The student is always the real protagonist in my class. The learning process focuses on revealing each student’s individual character. This is how the student truly develops and unfolds".
- Nikolay Pestov -
Competitions
Nikolay is a celebrated laureate of numerous international competitions, including first-prize-winning awards in Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Russia. In 2016, his artistry shone as he was awarded the First Degree Laureate of the VI International Piano Competition named after S. V. Rachmaninov in St. Petersburg. He has played an active role in organizing international competitions and festivals.
TEACHING:
Nikolay’s teaching style is rooted in the rich traditions of the Russian piano school, yet he brings a unique energy to every lesson. By pairing technical mastery with artistic exploration and giving every student personal attention, he creates an inspiring and supportive atmosphere. He has taught at music schools in Moscow, led children’s music education departments, and organized over 20 international conferences on music teaching.
EDUCATION:
Moscow State Conservatory - Graduate
Nikolay studied with Professors Viktor Karpovich Merzhanov and Yuri Stepanovich Slesarev, both well-known teachers in the Russian piano tradition.
EXPERIENCE:
•Director, F. Liszt Music School, Moscow
•Head of the Scientific and Methodological Department in Children’s Music Education, Department of Culture, Moscow
•Founder and Director of Open Music School in Bar, Montenegro
•Founder and Director of Open Music School in Porto, Portugal
In 2023, Nikolay started Open Music School in Montenegro, along with the concert venue Bijela Dvorana. This marked the beginning of his international school initiatives.In 2025, he opened Open Music School Porto in Portugal with his wife, Anna Pestov, offering high-quality music education classes for children and adults.