Royal College replaces Head of Strings with guitarist
NewsThe Royal College of Music this morning named Gary Ryan as Head of Strings.
He has been acting head of department since Mark Messenger was suspended seven months ago.
Messenger left the RCM after an independent investigation in March.
Gary Ryan joined the RCM in 1996 as a guitar and academic professor.
Last time I checked, the guitar was a strung instrument so why shouldn’t he get it. Just because he’s not a violinist/violist/cellist/d-bassist should not exclude him from the role.
And it doesn’t……
So basically no one of calibre applied (perhaps being aware of the sinking ship that is RCM), so they stuck with the status quo
It has strings and it is easily tuned, great cost benefit. Congrats.
A fantastic appointment by the RCM. Not only is Gary a world leading guitarist and composer but a wise and empathetic teacher / examiner. A wonderful choice and well deserved
This is magnificent news. I have known Gary for 30 years and he remains a hero. A beautiful musician, profoundly perceptive teacher and the kindest of men. I’m so chuffed.
Ah yes here they come….the comments of ignorant, snooty violinists/cellists debasing classical guitar as the 10 lesson easytune 4 chord instrument…..