The ailing institution, which has suffered a string of issues in the past four years, will undergo a major review to ensure its future.
The Australian National University has announced that it will conduct a review of the School of Music to ensure its long-term future. It has promised a “comprehensive community” assessment in a bid to improve the conditions at the ailing music institution following a string of major issues, including financial problems, staff layoffs and the resignation of the Head of the School of Music, Peter Tregear, in August last year.
The review, which is to be led by former senior public servant and Professor of Public Policy at ANU, Andrew Podger, will examine the impact of the major restructuring which took place in 2012 in response to budget shortfalls. This resulted in a reduction in the number of academic and administrative staff, the cessation of some undergraduate course options and a reduction in the amount of one-on-one tuition time allotted to students. It is hoped the review will address the damage caused by the 2012 layoffs as well as looking at ways to stabilise the ANU School of Music’s finances.
In an interview with ABC Radio Canberra yesterday, Podger pledged to improve conditions at the school by 2017. However, some have questioned whether Podger’s lack of music credentials make him suitable for the task of restoring Australia’s flagship music institution to its former glory. Podger countered these suggestions saying, “I don’t pretend to be an expert in music but I have three wonderful advisors who have enormous standing in the music community, “ adding that having “a degree of independence,” was valuable. Podger will be advised by acting head of the School of Music, Royston Gustavson, composer and Emeritus Professor, Larry Sitsky, ACO founder and former Director of the Sydney Conservatorium, John Painter and eminent filmmaker and Pro-Chancellor of the ANU, Robin Hughes.
Consultations are due to begin in April before a discussion paper is released in May. Podger’s final recommendations will be published in August. Vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt said that three main objectives would be considered during the review: international excellence, relevance to the community and affordability.
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