The Academy has a rigorous selection process. Blanche d’Harcourt is assisted in this endeavour by violinist Julien Szulman, a former academician who now heads the selection committee. The committee scouts out young talent in international competitions and major conservatories. There are also spontaneous applications, given that the Academy is known throughout the musical world. Candidates attend a series of auditions in Paris and Cologne during the winter before the Academy. The committee then makes its decision. The young people must meet three criteria: have an excellent technical capability, show real musical sensitivity and possess the soft skills that will enable them to work well in the quartets.