Nikolai Mishchenko is a contemporary pianist, composer, and sound producer originally hailing from Moscow. His unique style seamlessly blends traditional jazz roots, contemporary classical improvisations, and electronic elements. Notable for his versatility, Mishchenko has garnered numerous awards both as a performer and composer.
Invitations to perform as both a leader and sideman at prestigious jazz festivals worldwide attest to the global recognition of his talent. These include appearances at the “Cambridge Arts River Festival” (USA), the “Gubbio Summer Festival” (Italy), and “Triumph of Jazz” (Russia), among others. After successfully completing his studies at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mishchenko took on the role of a piano instructor at his alma mater. This teaching experience paved the way for his journey to the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music in India, where he contributed to the development of the curriculum and taught as a full-time faculty member.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nikolai has collaborated with renowned artists such as Terry Ellis, Igor Butman, Mayssa Karaa, Laurin Talese, Warren Wolf, Gregory Groover, ERINI, Nizar Fares, and more. Beyond his musical pursuits, Mishchenko is deeply passionate about exploring innovative connections between science, poetry, nature, and music. His mission is to create experiences that resonate, connect, and inspire audiences worldwide.
Hello Nikolai. It’s a pleasure to have this interview with you. Please tell us more about you and your music experience and journey?.
Answer: Thank you for having me! My work in music ranges from performing on stage to composing for visual media and teaching. Growing up in a musical family, I began studying piano at five years old. I was fortunate to study jazz and classical piano with some of the best professors and artists in both Russia and the USA, including Kevin Harris, Evgeny Grechischev, Vadim Neselovskyi, Danilo Perez, Kenny Werner, and many others. Being raised among some of the greatest in the industry, I never doubted pursuing a career in music. 
Winning a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music paved the way for a completely international life: the UAE is the fifth country I actually live in. I spent a lot of time performing and teaching in Kazakhstan and India after having lived in the United States. Everywhere I go, I try to do my best by providing good quality music for the people and building a community around it.
Having moved to the UAE, how do you see the shift in your career?
Answer: The UAE provides an excellent platform for creative and professional growth. I would even say it represents the perfect balance between an oversaturated industry and a lack of one. The scene is young yet emerging, with more and more talents from around the world moving here to pursue their creative passions. While there is much work to be done to make people truly appreciate the value of our music, there are already enough musicians here to deliver the highest quality products.
I stay largely in sync with local talents, and the Sola Jam Session that I conduct helps me stay connected with the community. I am happy to be in a highly international environment and do what I love most.
What does your music career represent to you?
Answer: Music is my passion, life, and job all at once. Let’s put it this way: I am grateful to be able to make a living by engaging in the greatest form of art. One of my global artistic visions is to blend a variety of cultures, showcasing the diversity of our world through music. The releases I have on streaming platforms represent a range of formats and styles, from live improvisational music to electronic productions. Simply put, I use music as a language to showcase the variety and beauty of our life experiences.
It is scientifically proven that extraverted individuals are more likely to listen to a variety of music styles than introverts. If we reverse that logic, we can say that training oneself to appreciate different music styles could lead to greater success in daily communication. This is what I aim to bring to the table: the ability for people to enhance their life experiences in every field, and I see significant progress in this area.
Can you tell us about your background and activities and collaborations you are involved in?
Answer: A lot is happening! In addition to my purely musical activities, I also work as an entertainment provider in Dubai. Together with our community, we strive to deliver the best musical experience for clients, whether at hotels, restaurants, or private parties. Additionally, I remain closely connected to my alma mater, Berklee College of Music. The college has a campus here in Abu Dhabi, and I am currently teaching in the PEARL Programme there.
I also manage a small online music school called “JazzyJazz School,” where I provide online education for Russian-speaking musicians looking to improve their music skills. Last but not least, I was fortunate to compose music for a recent film directed by Dmitriy Usov, which won the “World Indie Film Award.”
Would you like to tell your audience any more information about you, and your future endeavors, collaborations, and concerts & gigs?
Answer: If you are in Dubai, I invite you to my upcoming solo piano performance at the Theatre of Digital Art on June 28. The show will be a tribute to the music of The Beatles, purely interpreted for piano. Also, don’t miss our weekly jam sessions at Sola Jazz Lounge on Wednesdays — we feature great musicians on stage, and each time is a celebration of music and life.
LINKS:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4czEREvw7bfQeFMBvdFMzV?si=Ua7m3_i2RrC47DBQNGAZKg
https://www.instagram.com/nikolaimmusic/
