He completed his studies at Geneva Conservatory at 16 with a diploma and "the first prize for virtuosity" by way of special recognition. He completed a course at Salzburg's Mozarteum under professor Matthias Seidel at the age of 21, earning a degree of Master of Arts. During his studies he was awarded the Franz Kossak Prize and a prize of the Austrian Ministry of Culture and also won the special prize for the interpretation of contemporary music at the International Music Competition in Templin.