FAQ

REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL FEES

How do I apply?

Please complete the online registration form from February 15th until March 15th. Candidates who have been selected shall be notified by email mid-April.

Are underage students allowed to participate in the academy?

Minors are exceptionnally accepted upon special circumstances, however, they must be accompanied by an adult.

What is included in the fees?

The fees, pending acceptance, include registration, individual and chamber music lessons, practice sessions with piano accompanists, lunches, housing, and an individual Shiatsu massage session.

What is not included in the fees?

The fees do not include travel costs, breakfasts and dinners.

Can I register both in solo and ensemble ?

A member of an ensemble coming to Musique à Flaine with this ensemble can also register to take solo instrument lessons, on selection. However, given the intensity of the course, only 3 solo lessons will be provided. In addition, the trainee must pay half the price of the educational package, even if he got a scholarship with his ensemble.

When and how can I pay for the Master Class?

Candidates will be asked to pay for the Master Class when they receive their acceptance letter; the payment deadline is end of May. Payment is made by bank transfer. Any bank commission charges, or transaction fees, shall be paid by the sender. No cash or check will be accepted on site.

How do you determine eligibility for financial aid?

Scholarships are awarded based on musicianship and each individual candidate's financial situation. Scholarship can't be awarded to musician leaving early of arriving late.

Which fees covers the scholarships ?

There are full scholarships by Musique à Flaine covering the course fees either in solo or as a group, lunches at La Perdrix Noire, accommodation (on the basis of a T2 shared with 3 trainees or T3 with 4 trainees). Musique à Flaine also awards half-scholarships, covering half of the costs mentioned above. Registration fees (50 €) are always due by the trainee.

ACADEMY

May I register if I am unable to stay for the entire length of the academy?

Not attending the full Academy, even the first presentation day, is very harmfull to our Festival experience and quality. Then, it is absolutely necessary to submit your request for absence to Musique à Flaine BEFORE any application, or it would be automatically refused. Exceptions can be granted only on an exceptional basis and for professional reasons.

How many lessons are included for each participant?

Each trainee shall receive 5 lessons of 45 to 60minutes each.

May I join a chamber music ensemble if I register as a solo instrumentalist?

Yes, all students are encouraged to participate in chamber music sessions. Chamber music groups are organised on the first day of the academy, based on repertoire preferences and on the age and level of the student participants.

May I participate in chamber music sessions if I do not stay for the entire academy?

No you may not: exceptions to this are very rare. Arriving late, being absent during the academy, or leaving early, are disruptive for the chamber music groups, and thus penalize other members.

Where may I practice?

Each student has an individual practice studio (only pianists may share one studio for 2 pianists but there will always be grand pianos available in addition). They are open from 8 am to 10 pm.

TRAVELLING TO FLAINE

What is the best way to travel to and from Flaine?

On first and last days of the academy, Musique à Flaine arranges for a free shuttle service to be available to and from Bellegarde train station. Timetables are included in the participant confirmation letters.

What is the best way to travel to and from Flaine any other day?

You can reach Flaine by car. The closest train station is Cluses SNCF but the nearest "hub" is Bellegarde sur Valserine. Buses run from Cluses to Flaine twice daily; a taxi costs approximately 70 €. The closest airport is Geneva (1hour and 15minutes away); a taxi from there costs approximately 200 €. It is possible to get to Geneva airport from Flaine by train or bus (shuttle), but due to transfers, this can take up to 4-hours.

Where should I go upon arrival?

On the day of arrival, our designated meeting point is Flaine Auditorium, Flaine Forêt from 4 to 6 pm.

HOUSING

What types of accommodation are available?

Trainees stay in comfortable apartments, either alone or with roommates. These range from a studio, to a flat with 3 rooms.

Is there WIFI available?

There is no free wifi hotspot in Flaine. You might purchase a pocket wifi at the tourist info point or to the rental agency.

Can family members share an apartment with me?

Adults accompanying underage students can rent a family apartment for the same price offered to students, depending on availability.

May I share an apartment with roommates if I do not know any other students?

Yes, it is possible to share an apartment with roommates, which reduces rental costs and helps you to get to know the other participants.

Is there anything I should bring with me for my stay?

Please bring your own towels and kitchen linens, good shoes for the mountain and warm clothes. Bed sheets are provided.

May I practice in my apartment?

Practice rooms are available in a specific building from 8 am to 10 pm because practicing is not allowed in the apartments.

EVERYDAY LIFE

Do I need a car in Flaine?

Flaine is a car-free village (there are car parks on the outskirts of the village). Everything is within walking distance, and you can use the cable cars.

What is the weather like in Flaine in August?

Quite variable. Temperatures range from 5°C to 25°C, with sun or rain. Nights are chilly. The village is at 1700 metres altitude.

What else would you recommend I bring with me?

Summer clothes, warm sweaters/jumpers, a raincoat, walking shoes, concert clothes,a music stand and your score with the piano part.

Can I do my laundry in Flaine?

There is a launderette in Flaine.

Where do students eat lunch? What time is lunch?

Lunches are served in a restaurant La Perdrix noire, across the street from the auditorium, from 12 am to 2 pm.

What are the arrangements for other meals?

Students prepare their own breakfasts and diners in the flat. There are several supermarkets and restaurants in Flaine.