About Selma

At seventeen, Selma began freelancing as a pianist, performing at events and concerts, and working as an accompanist, chamber ensemble member, and soloist. Over the years, she’s covered a wide range of genres, from baroque and classical to jazz and pop. Beyond performing, she has taught piano and music theory, and wrote original music for couple of short films. 

Coming from a family of musicians, Selma’s musical roots run deep. Her grandmother co-founded the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Plovdiv and taught classical singing, while her father, Yassen Churukov, has had a long career in music management.


Her formal training began at the National Music School “L. Pipkov” in Sofia, where she studied with respected teachers like Anna Ilievska, Alexander Vasilenko, and Professor Milena Mollova. In 2004, she graduated from NMA "Pancho Vladigerov" with a degree in jazz piano, studying under Professor Yulia Cenova and learning improvisation from Simeon Shterev. She also attended masterclasses with Milcho Leviev.

While still a student, Selma was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship and had the chance to participate in a masterclass with Chick Corea. However, she chose to return to Europe, where she could build her career.


These days, Selma blends her classical roots with jazz and original compositions, always seeking new ways to grow and express herself as an artist. She’s expanded her repertoire by creating instrumental arrangements of jazz standards and pop songs, while also composing original music for solo piano . Alongside her performing career, she has produced different music events, taught piano and music theory, and taken on non-music projects, all of which feed into her broader artistic philosophy.

"Art resonates most authentically when it’s grounded in reality."

Selma Linski's musical story has always been about more than just playing notes. Starting piano at the age of three, music was all she knew. She studied classical music and later jazz at the conservatory, but as she approached her late 20s, she realized she was living in a bubble, disconnected from the world outside the practice room and the stage. That realization, along with the birth of her son, led her to take a ten-year break from full-time music performing to explore life beyond the piano.



During this time, Selma earned a master’s degree in clinical social work, studying psychoanalytic theory and therapy, while working as a psychological counselor and in marketing/PR. She also took up photography, capturing moments of real life and immersing herself in the complexities of human experience. These years gave her a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the world, which now fuels her creativity.




For Selma, music is no longer just about technique or theory; it’s about translating real-life emotions into sound and creating a meaningful connection with others. Her compositions reflect the moments and experiences that have shaped her journey, staying true to her belief that real artistry comes from exploring real life and staying authentic.



Now, Selma's unique style blends emotional depth with playfulness. Influenced by her love of dark, intricate art and photography, her music balances intensity and quirkiness, resulting in a sound that is deeply personal and unmistakably her own.

Competitions and Awards

• Berklee College of Music – Scholarship for Talented Musicians
• AMSONIA International Composition Contest - Special Award for "Distance – Miniature for Solo Piano" (2021)

Key Performances

• First concert performance at age 5
• Solo performance of Mozart Concerto No. 8 at Bulgaria Hall at age 11 with the Damski Kameren Orkestar "Sofia," conducted by Rositsa Batalova
• Professional Musician since age 17

Education

• National School of Music “L. Pipkov” – High School Diploma in Classical Piano Performance
• National Academy of Music “P. Vladigerov” – Bachelor of Jazz Piano Performance
• New Bulgarian University – Master of Clinical Social Work in Psychoanalytic Therapy

Professional Experience 

• Freelance Pianist (1998 - present) – Extensive performances across various countries.
• Coordinator (2017 - 2019) | Competition Director (2019 - 2022) – International Music Competition Borovets
• Course Manager – Access Creative College, London (2016 - 2017)
• Private Piano and Music Theory Teacher (2012 - present) – Instruction for students of various levels
• Music Editor in Bulgarian National Radio (October 2024 - present)