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 Graeme NorrisIs this the end of classical music in Australia?November 1, 2008 17:12I was one of many lucky people to have attended the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). I can unreservedly say that I would not be the violinist I am now and not in the job I am not without the unique programs that this institution offers it's students. I had access to fantastic facilities, huge performance opportunities and some amazing Australian and international visiting artists. Before the days of ANAM, a student who was serious would have no option but to head overseas after their degree, but now, there's a place where the teachers come to us! That was, until last week. About a week ago, the Australian Government announced a complete withdrawal of funds from the Australian National Academy of Music. This amounts to about A$2.6 million per anum. Quite small when you consider that a recent calculation on sports funding told us that each olympic gold medal in the last 20 years cost tax payers $40 million. That's for ONE gold medal! The philosophy of funding at the Australian Institute of Sport is that if a sport performs well it gets more funding; if a sport performs badly then it gets less funding. ANAM in the last 4 years has improved its standard, the programs it offers and the its graduates are winning almost all of the orchestral jobs on offer in Australia. The ANAM staff, students and alumni are, as you can imagine extremely upset by the move, not only because of the here and now. We all fear for the future of music performance and training in Australia. If the Academy does get shut down, the best graduates from our universities and colleges will go straight overseas and probably stay there with their talent. All this will have a noticeable effect on our orchestras and education in years to come. For many of us, we feel this is the beginning of the end. Here are a few links on the news and also a petition set up by ANAM, to petition the Government to keep the school open. ANAM site, with an explanation and documentary about the group Any support including signing of the petition will be appreciated by the ANAM community and indeed, anyone concerned about the arts in Australia. The arts struggle everywhere, but this is ridiculous. Graeme Norris
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