From 1935 to 1938, Emil Gilels perfected his pianistic skills under Heinrich Neuhaus at the School of Higher Mastery attached to the Moscow Conservatory. Neuhaus counted Gilels among the outstanding musicians formed in his class and among the major musicians of the 20th century.
After returning to Moscow, Gilels began teaching at the conservatory as Neuhaus's assistant. Neuhaus was also Gilels's postgraduate professor, and when Gilels was still young he said that his art "helps to live."
