Teacher quits RNCM over harrassment
NewsSarah Watts has resigned as Bass Clarinet Tutor in Manchester over the college’s failure to address persistent bullying.
She says:
I have resigned from my position as Bass Clarinet Tutor at RNCM, Manchester. After taking time out teaching this last year due to not being willing to deal with issues around bullying and harassment, I have have been disappointed that whilst things have changed in my department, there has been no recognition from senior management of just how bad the impacts of this treatment are (not only to me).
I would like to thank current members of my department for supporting me (they know who they are and one coffee meeting back in February was very much appreciated), and the research department who have looked after me and supported that side of my work over the past years. Also thank you to many of the composition staff who have collaborated with me and my students many times over the past years and other colleagues in the college who I hope to stay in touch with.
I hope that me speaking out will make senior management realise that part time instrumental staff should be valued, listened to and treated with respect. But for me I just can’t come back from being told ‘my career doesn’t stack up compared to others, ‘we are doing a bad job as not enough of our students get orchestral trials (I have so many students who have fabulous portfolio careers), and being victimised and singled out for scrutiny when trying to submit an invoice for two hours work. I (and others) deserve better. We deserve apologies from the top and have never received this or been listened to.
Lots of love to all my RNCM students and ex students – Lessons and bass clarinet choir were life highlights with you all. Xxx
In the meantime, I’m still teaching bass clarinet! I’m around for private lessons, masterclasses, composition workshops etc … and also you can apply to study with me on the 1 year MA in Music Performance Course at the University of Sheffield.
Related post here.
It would be interesting to hear the RNCM side of this story. It would not be fair to pass judgement on this until more facts are known. Bullying and harassment should never be tolerated but we need all the facts first.
How dare they tell this woman she is an ineffective teacher because her students aren’t successful! What impudence!
I agree , if this situation is being put out in the public domaine we need to hear the RNCM’s response too. Bullying and harassment leave longterm consequences and require thorough investigation of the facts.
I am sure that many of us who studied in the Conservatoire system/ music colleges can remember a popular tutor or member of staff from that time who seemed to have a rough time with the institution for some reason. Sadly such things are not new. We need all the facts.
“Fabulous portfolio careers” – one of the most oxymoronic phrases I’ve ever heard.
Huh? Nothing oxymoronic about it!
The troubled RNCM:
From hosting freemasonry events in the ’80s to sexual harassment cover ups in the ’90s onwards…that’s what I’d call ‘a substandard portfolio’.
Hosting ‘freemasonry events?’ Can you explain what this refers to please?
Sure.
Lodge meetings in the auditorium, blacked out glass in doorways, attended by the likes of Prince Michael of Kent, James Anderton (look him up) and executives of the RNCM board at the time. Hope that helps.
I didn’t take pictures, so can’t send you a postcard.