UEA to close School of Music
The University of East Anglia Council decided the fate of one of its oldest departments, The School of Music.
A silent protest has been held outside the meeting, followed by a rally and march at lunchtime.
As students raise concerns that the closure could be the tip of the iceberg, the UEA say it’s the only department currently under review.
The Chairman of the University Council, Mr Richard Jewson, said: “It is a sad day when a school is to close, but particularly one which is held in such affection, and it gives us no pleasure to make this decision. But Council members believe that it would be irresponsible to ignore the danger signals highlighted by the review. The University cannot afford to continue to subsidise a School where the future prospects are so challenging, and this is the best way we can safeguard and strengthen other Humanities subjects.”
The University has stressed its commitment to supporting the School’s current students throughout the rest of their time at UEA. Provisional teaching and learning plans have been drawn up.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Edward Acton said: “Our number one priority will be to ensure that current students are not disadvantaged and receive an excellent education. I would also like to underline our commitment to the continuation of music as an important social and cultural part of the life of the University and we will be announcing vigorous measures in the months to come.”
A Director of Music will oversee and encourage music-making, including the continuation of the University’s flourishing choirs and orchestras, whose members include staff and students from across the University, the city and beyond.
Links will also continue with the University’s professional orchestra in residence, Chamber Orchestra Anglia. Members of the professional orchestra will be called on to teach and encourage young talent – among the University’s students and local schools.
Students had hoped to save the school, after gaining support from across the UK, as one music graduate, Bill Vine, explains in our Opinion section.
The UEA has stated no other reviews have been carried out into other departments despite fears for other Humanities subjects such as Philosophy.
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