From 1935 to 1938, Emil Gilels perfected his skills under Heinrich Neuhaus at the School of Higher Mastery at the Moscow Conservatory. Neuhaus included Gilels among the students of his class, educating him as one of the major musicians of the 20th century.
Following this period, Gilels began teaching at the conservatory as Neuhaus's assistant. Neuhaus, who served as Gilels's postgraduate professor, remarked when the pianist was still young that his art "helps to live."
