This is the latest in a series of major operational and managerial crises impacting Australia’s major music institutions.

The Head of the Australian National University’s School of Music, Peter Tregear, has announced his resignation. His decision to end his contract prematurely follows a tenure dogged by controversy surrounding inadequate funding, and rumours of the School of Music’s tenuous long-term future. This is the latest in a string of major operational and financial mishaps disrupting some of the country’s top music institutions. In April this year the Dean of the Sydney Conservatorium, Karl Kramer, suddenly resigned, allegedly forced out due to misused expenses. His resignation echoed the dubious circumstances surrounding the departure of his predecessor, Kim Walker. In May, management at Australia’s oldest music college, the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, sparked outrage from the student body when plans of substancial money-saving cuts to the school’s curriculum were leaked in an internal memo.

Professor Tregear, who is also a contributor to Limelight Magazine, was appointed as head of the School of Music, based in Canberra, in August 2012. The beginning of his time leading the school coincided with major budget stresses at the...