What began in 2011 as a highly condensed course offering as part of the Heidelberger Frühling Musikfestival has developed into a year-round support program with a total of four work phases. The focus is on the master classes with Artistic Director Thomas Hampson and renowned co-lecturers, some of which take place in front of an audience and are broadcast via livestream. Here the young singers and pianists are trained in vocal technique, song design and interpretation. Over the course of the academy year, they develop an extensive repertoire and develop their own artistic vision. The close exchange and collaboration with the other singers and pianists in the academy class encourages creativity and team spirit. The young artists present themselves in public appearances, including at the Heidelberger Frühling Liedfestival, in some cases with specially curated programmes.

The supporting program is dedicated to the professionalization of the participants. In workshops, coaching sessions and discussion formats, they work on topics such as concert program planning, career management and mental training. There are courses on poetry, language coaching, program dramaturgy and a workshop on writing attractive artist biographies as well as a professional photo shoot. Aspects of body awareness, which are essential for a singing career, are also addressed. Get-togethers, joint concert visits and encounters with established artists on the scene enable the scholarship holders to make lasting contacts and benefit from the Liedzentrum's dense network.

Innovative projects have emerged from the Liedakademie in recent years, such as the staged Lied.Lab DIA_LOG and the short film project Lied me! In addition, many former scholarship holders such as Nadine Sierra, Benjamin Appl and Elsa Dreisig have gone on to lead successful and impressive lives.