‘We’re angry and disappointed’ — Dublin music school staff and students shocked by sudden closure

The board of directors at Newpark Academy of Music informed 42 staff members by email on 22 May, giving them effectively nine days’ notice , citing financial reasons.

Almost 600 students are enrolled in courses at the college, according to staff members.

The academy provides jazz education programmes and instrumental tuition and is home to a number of choirs and ensembles.

The space also serves as a music venue.

Hilda Chan, the academy’s director, said staff were “angry, disappointed, and upset” with the sudden news, stating that they were “not given enough notice”.

Suspicions arose among staff about the future of the music academy when Ms Chan was informed by the board to pause enrolments for 2024/25 back in February.

The reason given by the board included attempts to “secure funding” to refurbish the building.

“At this point, there was already stress and anxiety coming from teachers,” Ms Chan said.

“We usually take enrolments up until April and no later, which is important for parents to know their child has a space for September and for teachers to plan for the academic year.

“I contacted the board multiple times during this period for clarification, and nothing was officially confirmed,” she added.

Ms Chan added that she believes it is not a case of the business not working out, with the number of students in the academy “rising each year” and “hundreds of people on waiting lists” to enrol in their music school.

Many staff at the music academy had to take stress leave during this time of uncertainty around their employment, with some staff having worked there for over a decade.

Speaking on behalf of the staff members and students, Ms Chan said that she feels the manner in which this decision was made and how it was communicated “is really unfair”, citing the amount of work that has gone into the organisation by staff.

At the moment, a petition has been started by staff who are fighting for their employment rights and demanding that the board sit down and have a conversation.

Their main priorities are keeping the title of their school along with retaining as many staff members as they possibly can.

The academy director said that they will move to another premises if needs be.

“Our priority now is trying to meet with the board of directors and discuss with them if we can move on and continue our 45 years of legacy because nine days’ notice is not good enough,” Ms Chan added.

Fine Gael councillor for Blackrock Maurice Dockrell said that it is with “great sadness” that he had learned of the closure.

“My children attended classes there, and alongside their education at Newpark School, the music school and its dedicated staff helped instil in them a lifelong love of music,” he said.

He added that with his background in employment law it is his hope that staff will be treated in a “fair and equitable manner”.

“I hope that the Music School can be saved, or alternatively, that the staff will be assisted to set up a similar school immediately.

“I am calling upon the Council to make any grants available with a minimum of red tape and to act speed so that the school can be saved.

“The Newpark School of Music is a part of the fabric of life in Blackrock, and we must do our utmost to keep it going for future generations.

“The closure of Newpark School of Music will be a significant loss to our community.

“The Council’s prompt action and support are crucial to preserving the legacy and ensuring that the joy and education provided by the Newpark School of Music continue to thrive,” he added.

The Irish Independent has contacted the board of directors at Newpark Academy of Music for comment.