FAQ

Artist Diploma programme

1. What is the Artist Diploma programme?

The Artist Diploma programme is a three-year artist residency for exceptional young musicians who are launching their career as performing artists. It combines mentorship from renowned Masters in Residence and Guest Masters, extensive on-stage experience, and deep concentration to grow as an artist. It offers this in an exceptional natural environment on the outskirts of Brussels.

2. Is the Artist Diploma programme the Music Chapel’s only programme?

The Artist Diploma programme is the Music Chapel’s signature programme, around which concerts, masterclasses, workshops and other artistic projects are organised.Starting in 2027-28, the Music Chapel will launch Belgian Rising Talents, a programme specifically designed for young Belgian artists to support their artistic and technical development. It aims to prepare them for the auditions for the Artist Diploma programme. Applications for Belgian Rising Talents should be submitted on Acceptd through the same application process as the Artist Diploma programme.

3. Is the programme full-time?

The programme requires a substantial commitment, but does not follow a fixed daily timetable and does not require full-time presence.
Artists must remain available for regular sessions, masterclasses, rehearsals, concerts and other activities included in the programme.

4. Which activities are compulsory?

Artists are expected to participate actively in the programme, including regular sessions with their Master in Residence, required masterclasses and rehearsals, a minimum of six concerts per academic year and the mandatory annual final recital.
Activities connected to a confirmed artistic project can also become compulsory.

5. Can I combine the programme with studies or another artistic programme?

Yes, provided the other commitment remains compatible with full participation in the Music Chapel programme. Any significant parallel academic or artistic commitment should be mentioned during the application process.

6. Do I have to commit to the full three years?

Candidates should apply with the intention of completing the full three-year programme.
Progression to the next year is reviewed annually.

7. How is progression determined?

At the end of the first year, each artist is evaluated by the Masters in Residence and the Artistic Director through a mandatory final recital. Other elements considered are the artist’s development and involvement in the programme.Artists progressing to the second year normally complete the third year and obtain their Artist Diploma. Ending a residency after the second year is rare, but the final recital and the artist’s overall involvement remain important factors.-

8. Is the programme degree-granting or accredited?

The Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel is not a university or conservatory and does not grant state-recognised academic degrees.
Its approach is based on companionship and the transmission of knowledge by distinguished Masters in Residence and Guest Masters, combined with extensive professional on-stage experience.

The Artist Diploma is an institutional artistic distinction awarded by the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel to artists who successfully complete the Artist Diploma programme. It is formally presented by Her Majesty the Queen.

Artistic Training, Performance & Career

9. What kind of artistic training do Artists in Residence receive?

Artists follow an exceptional curriculum centred on regular sessions with a Master in Residence.
The programme also includes masterclasses and coaching with Guest Masters, chamber music projects, professional development workshops, other types of collaborative projects and preparation for performances and competitions.

10. How does the Music Chapel prepare artists for professional life?

The programme combines three dimensions: high-level training, on-stage experience and preparation for professional life.
Entrepreneurship is an important part of the curriculum. Artists are encouraged to develop and present their own artistic projects, including a structured and financially viable proposal leading to an Artist Diploma concert at the end of the programme.

11. What support is offered beyond artistic training?

The Music Chapel is not an agency, but it supports each artist’s broader professional and personal development. This includes career-development workshops, communication advice, support in building professional relationships and guidance on the practical aspects of an international career.
Particular attention is also given to artists’ well-being.

12. How often do artists work with Masters in Residence and Guest Masters?

Regular sessions with Masters in Residence are organised throughout the academic year, taking into account each section and the Masters’ international schedules. On average, Artists in Residence have two sessions of private masterclasses per month with a Master in Residence. Guest Masters also regularly visit the Music Chapel for masterclasses, workshops, chamber music and artistic projects.

13. Can I continue working with another teacher outside the Music Chapel?

Yes. The Music Chapel does not seek to restrict existing artistic relationships.
However, regular work with the relevant Master in Residence is central to the programme, and any significant parallel training must remain compatible with the artist’s commitments to the Music Chapel.

14. What practice and rehearsal facilities are available?

Artists in Residence have access to numerous practice and rehearsal rooms at the Music Chapel and at the Argenteuil Music Estate.
Grand pianos are available in the concert halls, studios and rehearsal rooms.

15. What performance opportunities are available?

Performance experience is a central part of the programme. The Music Chapel organises over 300 concerts every year, offering varied on-stage opportunities for Artists in Residence.
Artists perform in Music Chapel concerts and projects and can also take part in collaborations with orchestras, festivals and concert halls in Belgium and abroad.

16. Are concerts remunerated?

Artists are required to perform in a minimum of six concerts per academic year. These first six concerts are part of the training programme and are not remunerated.

Starting with the 7th concert, performances are remunerated according to the applicable fee category and the nature of the engagement.
Remuneration is itself part of the learning process: the Music Chapel wants Artists in Residence to progressively take responsibility for the professional realities of an artistic career, including fees, contracts, taxation and professional commitments.

Public masterclasses, final examinations and projects organised with academies are an integral part of the core programme and are therefore not considered paid concerts.

17. Does the Music Chapel provide accompanists, coaches or collaborating musicians?

Yes. The Music Chapel works with coaches and accompanists for sessions, masterclasses, auditions, rehearsals and concerts. Upon request, artists can also work individually with coaches and accompanists.

18. Can Artists in Residence accept professional engagements outside the Music Chapel?

Absolutely. The Music Chapel does not want to restrict an artist’s career; on the contrary, it is delighted to see its Artists in Residence develop professionally and create new opportunities.

The essential point is communication. Important engagements, tours, competitions or extended absences should first be discussed with the Artistic Director, and then with the relevant Master in Residence. With sufficient advance notice and open communication, solutions can usually be found.

Costs, Scholarships & Financial Aid

19. What does the programme cost?

The tuition for the Music Chapel’s two programmes amounts to €20,000 per year.
Separately, each artist is required to pay a €1,000 administrative fee per year.
Accommodation costs for long-term or occasional accommodation are to be covered by the artists.

20. Is financial aid available?

Yes. The Music Chapel is committed to ensuring that no artist is prevented from joining its programmes for financial reasons. Thanks to generous support from patrons, full and partial scholarships are awarded based on proven financial need, following a rigorous review process.
Candidates who need financial support are encouraged to apply for a scholarship together with their application on Acceptd.

21. When do I apply for financial aid?
Candidates should submit their scholarship application forms together with their main application on Acceptd.

22. What levels of financial support are available?

The Music Chapel grants partial or full scholarships in the amount of €15,000 or €20,000 per year. Financial aid is awarded as a deduction from the annual tuition fee. The amount granted will be subtracted from this total; the artist will be required to pay the balance.

With a full scholarship, no tuition is due by the artist.
With a partial scholarship, a partial tuition of €5,000 is due by the artist each year.
Without scholarship, the full tuition is due by the artist each year.Separately, all artists are required to pay a €1,000 administrative fee per year.

23. How is financial aid decided?

Admissions are based only on a candidate’s artistic level and potential.
Thanks to the generous support of patrons, full or partial scholarships are awarded based on proven financial need. Decisions are made by the Management team following a rigorous review of all the information provided in the scholarship applications. The Management team then determines the appropriate level of support.

24. Can I receive support from another foundation or organisation?

Yes. Artists are encouraged to seek scholarships and sponsorship from public entities, foundations and organisations in their country of origin or residence.
Financial support, including the amount, from other organisations should be shared with the Music Chapel as soon as it is received.

25. What other expenses should I expect?

Artists should account for accommodation and travel costs, as well as professional and personal living expenses.
Candidates invited to a live audition are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and other audition-related expenses.

Accommodation & Life at the Music Chapel

26. Do Artists in Residence have to live on site?

No. Some artists have year-round accommodation on the Music Chapel historic site or on the Argenteuil Music Estate, while others live elsewhere and use short-term accommodation when they need it.
Regardless of where they live, Artists in Residence must be able to participate fully in the programme.

27. What accommodation is available?

Subject to availability, artists can request:

Long-term accommodation for the academic year; or
Short-term accommodation when participating in artistic activities.Accommodation is available at the Music Chapel and at the Argenteuil Music Estate.

28. Can I choose my room or site?

Artists can indicate a preference, but accommodation is allocated according to availability and the needs of the artistic programme. A specific room, studio or site cannot be guaranteed.

29. What does accommodation cost?

Most permanent studios cost €450 per month, while some cost €600 per month. A €900 deposit is required.
Short-term accommodation costs between €45 and €60 per person per night.

30. What is included in the accommodation fee?

The accommodation fees include utilities, weekday lunch and basic breakfast and cooking provisions. Artists are responsible for their own dinner.
Permanent accommodation also includes access to a washer and dryer.

31. What is the difference between the historic Music Chapel site and the Argenteuil Music Estate?

The two sites are located next to one another in Waterloo, on the edge of the Sonian Forest.
Both provide accommodation and artistic spaces. The historic Music Chapel site remains the main centre for training, concerts and administration, while the Manoir d’Argenteuil provides additional accommodation, rehearsal and common spaces.
The two sites are connected by a private path of about 800 metres (0.5 mile). The walk from one site to the other takes about 15 minutes. By bike or golf cart, it takes about 5 minutes.

32. How easy is it to reach Brussels?

The Music Chapel is located in Waterloo, south of Brussels.
Waterloo is connected to Brussels by train, and a shuttle is available regularly between Waterloo station and the Music Chapel on weekdays.
The drive to the centre of Brussels or to Brussels-South Station (Gare du Midi) takes about 35 minutes depending on traffic.

International Candidates

33. Can candidates of any nationality apply?

Yes. The Music Chapel welcomes candidates of all nationalities.

34. Do I need an academic degree to apply?

No degrees are required. Admission is based exclusively on artistic level, potential and performance quality, rather than academic qualifications.
However, most candidates hold a master’s or other advanced degree in music performance from a top conservatory or music school when they apply.

35. What artistic level is expected from applicants?

The Artist Diploma programme is intended for exceptional young musicians already demonstrating a very high artistic and technical level who are preparing to launch or consolidate their career as professional artists.

36. Which languages are used?

The Music Chapel is an international and multilingual institution.
English, French and Dutch are used mostly, with English widely serving as the common language among artists of different nationalities.

37. Do international artists need a visa or residence permit?

Requirements depend on nationality and individual circumstances.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss artists will generally need to complete an immigration process before a long-term stay in Belgium.

38. the Music Chapel help with immigration procedures?

Yes. A member of the Artistic Department will provide support for administrative matters, answer questions and, when appropriate, liaise with the relevant Belgian authorities.

rtists are fully responsible for completing the process, including providing the required documents, respecting any deadlines and obtaining all required authorisations.

39. Is health insurance required?

Yes. Artists must have valid health insurance for the full duration of their stay in Belgium.

Applying & Auditioning

40. Where can I find the application and audition requirements?

Detailed application instructions are published on the Music Chapel’s website and on Acceptd. Candidates should carefully read the guidelines for their section before beginning an application. They include eligibility conditions, deadlines, required documents, repertoire, video instructions, application fees and live-audition dates.

41. How does the selection process work?

Candidates first submit an online application through Acceptd, including all the required documentation and video recordings.Applications are reviewed by the artistic jury for each section. Pre-selected candidates are invited to a live audition at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo between January and March 2027, depending on the section they applied for.Final admission decisions will be communicated by 02 April 2027.

42. How can I apply for the Belgian Rising Talents programme?

Starting in 2027-28, the Music Chapel will launch Belgian Rising Talents, a programme specifically designed for young Belgian artists to support their artistic and technical development. The programme is only accessible to young artists who:

are Belgian nationals, or permanent residents in Belgium trained at a Belgian music institution;
are between 16 and 24 years old;
have an artistic level equivalent to a Master’s degree (no degree is required).Candidates eligible for the Belgian Rising Talents programme should apply on

Acceptd through the same application process as the Artist Diploma programme.

Candidates should first select the section they are applying for (piano, violin, viola, cello or voice).
In the application’s first section, candidates can signal their interest in the Belgian Rising Talents programme.
Candidates should fill out the remainder of the application form and provide all the additional documentation.

43. What are the requirements for pre-selection recordings?

Candidates must follow the repertoire and recording requirements indicated for their section on Acceptd.
Videos should have been recorded within the past year.
Each required work or movement should be uploaded as a separate video file.

44. Do my pre-selection videos need to be professionally recorded?

No. A professional recording is not required.
Each recording must be made in one continuous take, without cuts or edits. The only exception is a professionally produced video from a live performance using multiple camera angles.

The use of artificial reverberation or any other audio modification through post-production, including editing or splicing, is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. Recommendations on how to make a strong audition video are available in the application guidelines.

45. What happens during the live audition?

Live auditions take place in person at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo.
The repertoire, format and specific requirements depend on the relevant section and are detailed in the audition guidelines.

46. Can I audition remotely?

No. Candidates selected for the final audition are expected to attend the live audition in Waterloo in person.

47. When are admission decisions communicated?

Final selection decisions will be communicated by 02 April 2027.

48. Who should I contact if my question is not answered?

Candidates should first consult the complete guidelines for their section on our website and on Acceptd, as well as this FAQ.