After controversial departures by the previous two Deans, will the third time be the charm for the music school?

The Sydney Conservatorium has announced the appointment of Professor Anna Reid as it’s new Dean. Reid has been acting head of the prestigious music school since her predecessor, Karl Kramer, suddenly resigned last April, citing “personal and family reasons.” Kramer’s departure was later revealed to be connected to $5000 of suspicious expenses allegedly claimed during his three years in the school’s top job. He was asked to resign or face dismissal. 

The Sydney Con will be hoping the third time’s the charm for its latest Dean appointment, as Kramer’s predecessor, American Bassoonist Kim Walker, also left the position under a cloud of controversy after a seven-year tenure dogged by allegations of plagiarism, mismanaged finances and suggestions of bully and intimidation. Walker filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the Sydney Conservatorium in 2012 for defamation and loss of potential earnings, and while no formal statement regarding this litigation has ever been issued by the Con, Limelight understands from sources associated with the music school that a six-figure payout was settled with Walker privately and that the total legal costs to the Con would likely run into the millions of dollars.

By contrast, Reid is a far safer bet than the last two Deans. Having already worked at the Con for six years, joining in 2010 as Associate Dean of Teaching and Learning before becoming Head of School in 2012, she offers some much-needed continuity for the institution. She has served as acting Dean following the acrimonious departures of both Walker and Kramer, and so already has the equivalent of over two years experience in the role. Dr Michael Spence, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, expressed his confidence in the appointment in a statement, saying: “Professor Reid has shown great leadership and depth of industry knowledge during her tenure at the Conservatorium. She is a dedicated music educator who exhibits a deep love of music and commitment to her staff, students and the industry’s future.”

The announcement today of Reid’s formal appointment will not come as much of a surprise to most with a vested interest, as classical music gossip site, Slipped Disc, leaked news of the appointment some weeks ago – the latest in a series of embarrassing leaks from insider sources at the Con. Nonetheless, given Reid’s level of experience, her engagement as Dean is no doubt a welcome one that will hopefully bring some stability to the institution. ​