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Villars Music Academy

Think, Feel, Play.

The next Villars Music Academy is taking place on the 17 - 24 of August 2025. Applications are now Open!

Members of the Faculty

2025 Edition Guest Professors

Kolja Blacher, violin

Nils Mönkemeyer, viola

Gary Hoffman, cello

Permanent Professors and members of the Berliner Philharmoniker

Simone Bernardini, violin

Luiz Felipe Coelho, violin

Walter Küssner, viola

Martin Menking, cello

Uladzimir Sinkevich, cello

Director

Aline Champion, violin and coaching

Founder

A word from Aline

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.

PROGRAM

Think

  • Mental performance trainings: Elevate focus, boost creativity, and cultivate a resilient mindset to harmonize with your artistry.
  • Talks with experts: Join for insightful conversations, gaining valuable insights and unlocking the secrets to musical success.

Feel

  • Physical performance training: Fine-tune your musical prowess with tailored physical training.
  • Emotional awareness sessions: Explore the depth of your musical expression, connecting heart body and mind to create soul-stirring performances.

Play

  • Join famous Guests: Unlock your musical potential through exclusive masterclasses.
  • Individual lessons with members of the Berliner Philharmoniker: Elevate your skills with personalized guidance from the Berliner Philharmoniker.
  • Chamber music with professors: Immerse yourself in collaborative artistry, refining your chamber music skills with expert guidance.
  • Chamber orchestra: Harmonize and perform in our dynamic chamber orchestra ensemble.
  • Concerts: Experience musical magic in our captivating concerts, where talent takes center stage.

The Robert Dunand Prize

The Robert Dunand Prize is a competition exclusively for the laureates of the Villars Music Academy. The winner receives the opportunity to record a video, sponsored by the Villars Institute Foundation, to help launch their international music career. This year, the jury will be composed of Aline Champion, Director of the Villars Music Academy, Berliner Philharmoniker violinist Luiz Felipe Coelho and Director of the Villars Institute Foundation Lee Howell.

Testimonials

Eric Seohyun Moon, viola

"Thank you, Villars Music Academy, Aline Champion, and all the professors for an inspiring program, wonderful lessons, and honest, motivating ideas. I'm deeply grateful for the friends and musical colleagues I’ve met during my time in Villars."

Philipp Sussman, Viola

“I wanted to thank you once again for allowing me to participate in the Villars Music Academy! It was truly one of the best and most inspiring weeks I have ever had!”

Brieuc Vourch, Violin

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and rest assured that none of us will forget what you have just given us."

Ava Bahari, Violin

"A unique and inspiring week at the Villars Music Academy. Beyond grateful to Aline Champion for turning her vision into reality and guiding young musicians on their path"

Gordon Lau, Viola

"Thank you for this life changing experience. I am sure that everything I learned from this week will carry me through my whole life"

Chih-En Kuo

“I had an unparalleled week in Villars, thanks for the selfless experience. It brought me such a valuable experience and learning opportunity"

Jiliang Shi

"It is crucial for us, young musicians, to have such an amazing support"

Villars Music Academy 2022 Video

Watch the 2022 Villars Music Academy video

Click on the video to watch the 2022 Villars Music Video ➡️

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