Emil Khudyev

Clarinetist Emil Khudyev joined the Seattle Symphony in the 2017/2018 season, bringing with him a rich and multifaceted background as a performer, educator and scholar. In addition to his role in Seattle, Khudyev frequently appears with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as an extra musician.

Born in Turkmenistan, Khudyev began his clarinet studies at the age of 12 at the Special Music School of Turkmenistan. His journey took a transformative turn when he was accepted into the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy, where he graduated in 2005 under the guidance of Nathan Williams. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, studying with the legendary Franklin Cohen, and later received his Master’s degree from the Yale School of Music under renowned clarinetist David Shifrin. He completed his last training at the Colburn School, studying with one of the most respected pedagogues in the field, Yehuda Gilad.

Khudyev is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians. He currently serves as a Visiting Professor of Clarinet at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he inspires students with both technical mastery and artistic insight.

His performance credits include prestigious festivals such as Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, Colorado College Music Festival and Sarasota Music Festival. A lifelong learner, Khudyev is expected to complete his Master of Business Administration from the Albers School of Business and Economics in the fall of 2025, reflecting his commitment to integrating artistic discipline with a strong interest in finance, leadership and entrepreneurship.

Outside of performance and teaching, Khudyev is engaged in business research and analysis. He is also an avid traveler, finding fulfillment in exploring new destinations with his family and experiencing the diverse cultures that shape our global community.