After high school, he resettled in Europe where he met the acquaintance of many musicians and received degrees from a number of highly respected music schools. His teachers included Nikolaus Hamoncourt, Johann Sonnleitner and Andreas Staier.

After three years as lecturer for continuo performance practice at the Music Conservatory of Zurich, Naoki Kitaya today works as a freelance musician. As a harpsichordist and organist, he has performed concerts with famous artists and as a guest in many international festivals.

This many-sided artist also works as a composer. His broad output includes commissions for radio and television, chamber ensembles as well as orchestras. His CD recordings with duo partner Maurice Steger (Recorder) have been awarded a number of international prizes.