Rafael Salinas was born in Valencia, where he pursued higher studies in music alongside Psychology at the city’s Universidad Literaria. He holds a Doctorate in Art Sciences (PhD) and a Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) from the Conservatory of St. Petersburg (Russia). He began his studies with Amparo Fandos and Adolfo Bueso and continued under the guidance of Leonid Sintsev, Elena Shafran, and Leonid Gákkel. He has also received guidance from renowned pianists such as Nathan Perelmann, Rudolf Kerer, Ferenc Kereck, and Joaquín Achúcarro.

Especially interested in the pedagogical field, he studied the methodologies of the Russian school, analysing specific materials published in the second half of the 20th century, and conducting teaching practices both at the Special School for gifted children and at the Conservatory of St. Petersburg. These experiences encouraged him to delve into the area of high abilities and music, explore other systems and institutions (such as the Purcell School of London or the Barratt Due Musikkinstitutt in Oslo), and participate in international congresses dedicated to this theme (Salzburg -2006, Brno - 2007, St. Petersburg -2006, 2007, Oslo -2008, Paris - 2010, Madrid - 2016, Astana - 2015-18, etc.).

Between 2013 and 2017, he was the director of the Sant Gregori School of Music in Barcelona, where he developed a teacher training program and various initiatives for the detection, assessment, and development of high abilities.

For many years, he has combined teaching, performance, and research. He has performed in concert halls across Europe, both as a soloist and as part of chamber groups. He has served as a jury member in various international competitions and is regularly invited to give master classes, lectures, and teacher training courses in institutions in Europe and Asia. His students have received awards in international competitions and scholarships to further their studies.

He has been an associate professor at the Jaume I University of Castellón, and since 2011, he has been a professor of Performance Theory and Piano at the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC), where he also served as the head of studies between 2006 and 2009.