soloist lab
Where potential becomes artistic leadership
Invitation-only · Ages 18–30
A highly personalised programme for young musicians recognised for their exceptional artistic potential and future leadership in music.
The Lab brings together invited young artists with leading international soloists, experts and mentors in an intensive working environment. Each participant receives individual support across the artistic, mental, physical and strategic dimensions of their journey, with a particular focus on developing and affirming their artistic identity.
The programme also creates connections with institutions, agents and international networks and provides access to exceptional instruments. It encourages reflection, artistic research and dialogue around artistic creation, alongside long-term mentoring, career support and continued access to the Villars Music network.
Every participant receives a full scholarship covering lessons, accommodation and full board. Travel costs are not included. A registration fee of CHF 150 applies.
next edition
2–6 December 2026 | Villars Palace, Villars-sur-ollon
An invitation-only residential programme for 15 young soloists.
The Villars Music Soloists Lab brings together 15 young musicians identified as potential future musical leaders with international soloists, mentors and specialists for five days of artistic transmission, individual attention and exchange.
The programme responds to each musician as an individual, creating the conditions to explore, learn, reflect and grow as an artist and as a human being.
Programme overview
Five days at Villars Palace with an international faculty, including violinist Shlomo Mintz, violist Walter Küssner of the Berliner Philharmoniker and cellist Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt. The programme addresses every dimension of a musician's life: individual lessons, masterclasses and chamber music alongside physical training, mindset coaching and career guidance.
Fully funded, with tuition, accommodation and meals included. The weekend of 5–6 December opens the Lab to the public, with concerts, talks and open masterclasses as part of the Villars Music Retreat.
The Lab Includes
Masterclasses with the Professors
3 sessions · 40-min lessons
Three masterclass sessions, with one individual 40-minute lesson per student in each session.
Chamber Music with the Professors
2 × 1 hour
Two one-hour chamber music sessions with the professors.
Mental Coaching
3 × 1 hour
Three one-hour group sessions with Michel Wozniak, Mind Specialist and Mental Trainer. Two sessions are reserved for the Lab students, with one public presentation during the Villars Music Retreat.
Business Coaching
1 hour
One hour of group business coaching with a senior manager from HarrisonParrott.
Physical Coaching
4 × 30 min
Four 30-minute group physical coaching sessions for musicians with Panagiotis Koukis, Physiotherapist and specialist in working with musicians.
Individual Physical Coaching
1 × 30 min
One individual 30-minute session with Panagiotis Koukis.
Talks with our Professors · Q&A
2 sessions
Two talks and Q&A sessions with the Lab professors.
Performance Opportunities
On stage
Chamber music performances during the Retreat and participation in the Saturday evening Master Concert alongside the masters.
Conferences and Encounters
Full weekend
Full access throughout the weekend to the Villars Music Retreat programme, including conferences, talks and encounters with distinguished artists, professors and experts on musical careers, performance, music, the brain and the international music world.
Faculty and Experts
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Shlomo Mintz
Violinist · Conductor and International Soloist
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Prof. Walter Küssner
Violist · Berliner Philharmoniker and Professor
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Prof. Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt
Cellist · International Soloist and Professor
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Noriko Sugiyama
Pianist
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Michel Wozniak
Mental Coach · Founder of OptimiStra® and Mind Specialist
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Panagiotis Koukis, Physical Coaching
Physiotherapist · Specialist in working with musicians, Villars Longevity Clinic
The Soloists Lab is by invitation. If you are interested in participating, please apply first to the Villars Music Academy. This allows us to discover your work, get to know you as an artist and follow your development. Selected musicians may subsequently be invited to take part in the Soloists Lab.