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Villars Music Academy

Think, Feel, Play.

Applications for the 2026 edition are now open

PROGRAM

Masterclasses, Chamber Music, Mental Coaching, Physical Coaching, Career Development, Talks & Seminars, Prize Competition, Concerts

Our Faculty 2026

Rainer Honeck, violin

Vineta Sarieka, violin

Nils Mönkemeyer, viola

Jens Peter Maintz, cello

Simone Bernardini, violin

Walter Küssner, viola

Faculty since 2022

A word from Aline

Aline Champion, violin and coaching

Founder

Designed by a Musician for Musicians

The Villars Music Academy represents the culmination of my more than 40-year journey as a violinist. This includes over two decades as a first violinist with the Berlin Philharmonic, my tenure as a professor at the Geneva Music University, and my background in psychology. This institution embodies my comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a musician in today’s world.

What I Believe In

A truly great musician performs in a state of complete harmony where the body, mind, and heart are aligned, allowing them to connect with life on a deeper level. It is with this in mind that I designed our program; we aim to nurture both the musician and the person and thus address every facet of becoming an exceptional artist.

Excellence is a universal way of being, rooted in values and beliefs that transcend disciplines. Our mission is to cultivate musicians who not only excel in their craft but also embody the principles of high performance, well-being, mindfulness, authenticity, and artistic integrity.

Why Join Us?

At the Villars Music Academy, we offer a personalised and intimate learning environment that fosters both artistic growth and personal development through close, meaningful relationships.

Our faculty members are exceptional musicians and inspiring individuals who embody our values and philosophy.

Inspire change

I deeply believe in the transformative and societal role of music. At the Villars Music Academy, our goal is to educate musicians who not only achieve artistic excellence but also make meaningful contributions to the greater good.

The Villars Music Academy

Created in 2022 by Aline Champion in collaboration with the Villars Institute Foundation, the aim of the Villars Music Academy is to introduce an interdisciplinary and intergenerational approach to help talented young musicians to reach their full global potential through masterclasses given by leading soloists, public performances with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and group coaching from experts in nutrition, fitness, and psychology.

Partners & Friends

Claseek

We are delighted to welcome Arthur Decaris to the Villars Music Academy 2025, thanks to a partnership with Classeek, a platform dedicated to supporting the next generation of outstanding classical musicians through tailored visibility and performance opportunities.

LEAD

LEAD! Foundation empowers the next generation of conductors and orchestra leaders through world-class mentorship, training, and industry insight. Founded and led by renowned conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste, LEAD! bridges the gap between formal education and the professional music world.

Gstaad New Year Music Festival

We are proud to announce our partnership with the Gstaad New Year Music Festival, which will offer a laureate of the 2025 Villars Music Academy the opportunity to perform in concert as part of the Festival’s "Jeunes Talents"program.

The Violin Channel

The Violin Channel is a leading online platform dedicated to the world of classical music, especially the violin. It features news, interviews, masterclasses, performances, and competition coverage. With global reach, it connects violinists, educators, and fans, promoting talent and fostering a vibrant, informed, and passionate string music community.

Villars Alpine Resort

The Villars Alpine Resort has been a partner of the Villars Music Academy since its inaugural edition. It hosts the Academy’s week-long program, culminating in a public concert held in the oldest theatre in the Swiss Alps.

Office du Tourisme de Villars

The Office du Tourisme de Villars is a valued partner, playing a key role in promoting the Closing Concert and prize throughout the region.

Testimonials

CONTACT

The Villars Music Academy is about playing, and if we talk about playing, we are also talking about how to feel and how to think to be able to play great music.
Founder of the Villars Music Academy - Aline Champion