Rock legend Jimmy Barnes has joined forces with an array of prominent musicians and artists to oppose proposed cuts at the Australian National University (ANU) School of Music. In an open letter directed to ANU Chancellor Julie Bishop, Barnes and nearly 40 other music industry figures have urged the university to reconsider its decision, which they claim could devastate the local music landscape.
The letter, dispatched on October 23, 2023, calls for the preservation of critical programs, including performance and composition majors, as well as the restoration of one-on-one tuition. It highlights the negative repercussions these cuts would have on students and emerging musicians in the Canberra region.
The group, which includes notable names such as Steve Kilby from The Church, Tim Rogers of You Am I, and Genesis Owusu, emphasizes the importance of music education in sustaining a vibrant cultural ecosystem. The letter was organized by the newly formed School of Music Advocacy Roundtable, established by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
Barnes, who has long championed music education, stated, “I’ve seen how classical training and rock and roll can come together to create magic. But that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we invest in serious music education.” He warned that if ANU moves forward with these cuts, it would send a troubling message regarding the value placed on the next generation of musicians.
The letter points out that the proposed changes threaten to undermine the quality of graduates from the ANU music program. “The removal of one-on-one tuition and a shift away from professional standards will dismantle Canberra’s music pipeline,” the letter states. It claims that such actions could have serious social and economic implications, jeopardizing the supply of skilled performers and educators essential for the ongoing success of local arts organizations and the broader community.
In addition to Barnes, other signatories include Lucy Sugerman, a Canberra singer who remarked on the detrimental effects these cuts would have on the local music scene. “Cutting music education sends the message that music isn’t valued – that it’s nice to have but not a necessity,” she said. She emphasized that many musicians’ careers are deeply rooted in the training they received at the ANU.
Concerns have also been raised about the future of Llewellyn Hall, a key venue for performance and rehearsal. The group has requested a meeting with Chancellor Bishop to discuss a sustainable future for the School of Music.
The advocacy group chair, Robyn Hendry, expressed that the growing chorus of support from high-profile Australians reflects the widespread concern within the music community. “Cutting off the pipeline of musicians has a much broader impact than denying music students the education they need and deserve,” she stated.
As the debate continues, the ANU faces pressure to evaluate the potential long-term effects of its proposed changes on the cultural fabric of Canberra and beyond. The outcome of this advocacy effort could shape the future of music education in Australia, influencing not just the next generation of musicians but also the overall health of the arts sector.
