McGill University has regretfully announced the permanent closure of its renowned music conservatory, due to the steep drop in enrollment numbers since the start of the pandemic.
The conservatory had in 2019 about 550 students from the community, mainly children and adolescents. Then, registrations plummeted at the height of the health crisis, dropping below 300 last year, when classes were given only in virtual mode.
The establishment believed that the return of in-person classes would make it possible to return to normal. However, it turns out that the trend has rather accelerated. With a view to next fall, we planned to welcome at best a hundred students. And to this were added the many departures of teachers since the start of the pandemic.
The McGill University Conservatory of Music, which was founded in 1904, therefore chose to close its doors at the end of the summer. “This decision was extremely difficult to make. We took it after careful consideration and following rigorous analysis,” reads a statement.
Those who are registered for the current summer session will be able to complete their training. The university also took care to indicate to the To have to that the closing of the conservatory does not mean the end of the faculty of music. On the contrary, enrollment in university music programs is on the rise.
It was also noted that there was a lack of premises for university students. This situation also weighed in the balance when deciding to close the conservatory, said McGill University.
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