Petition to save Cardiff University’s School of Music reaches over 23,000 signatures

A petition to save Cardiff University’s School of Music has reached over 23,000 signatures.

The petition, started by music graduate, Hannah Box-Saayman, is at time of writing, on 23,032 signatures.

It was started following an announcement by Cardiff University that it plans to close its School of Music, along with several other courses, as it grapples with a £30 million black hole in its budget.

The School of Music, however, will not go quietly as its petition climbs towards its 25,000 signature goal.

Students protested outside of the building on both 2nd and 5th February to save the school, to raise awareness of the issue, and promote the petition.

Cardiff students during a “busk protest”

Those signing the petition have voiced their concerns on the page. One petition contributor stressed her concern over the “arts already suffering and this would be a major loss.”

Another added: “Wales has music at its heart and in its soul. It is, therefore, unthinkable for Cardiff University to consider closing its School of Music; no reason can possibly justify such a decision.”

The musicians have gone far beyond just gathering signatures and have began busking outside Cardiff Uni’s Main Building.

One TikToker, @cassbulla, took to social media to raise awareness of the school’s closure. The video has since reached over 29,000 views.

In the video, students can be seen busking outside Cardiff Uni’s most well-known building, with people seen playing guitars, saxophones, drums, and many more instruments to raise awareness of the potential closure.

@cassbulla

We are coming together to busk against the closure of our department at Cardiff University. Please sign the link in my bio and below to Save The School of Music. https://www.change.org/p/save-cardiff-university-school-of-music?recruiter=1140964974&recruited_by_id=a403bfa0-dd51-11ea-b180-f303adecc3de&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_medium=instagram As a recent Graduate from Cardiff University School of Music, it is devastating news to hear about the closure of my department. Not only for me but the news is deeply alarming for all of the brilliant lecturers, amazing friends and the fenomal community this department brings to Cardiff. This course is one of only two Music courses in the entirety of Wales and the only Russell Group University in this country. Without this education, arts will be affected nationally, especially with the recent closure of the Junior Conservatoire at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the closing of St David’s Hall. Please stand with us and the other departments that are closing at Cardiff University. #cardiffuni #cardiffmusic #cardiff #bbcnews @Anna Lapwood | Organist @Ed Sheeran @STORMZY @Cardiff Uni Jazz Society @Cardiff Uni Music Society @CardiffBrass

♬ original sound – Cassbulla

The Cardiff Tab spoke with music students to hear their reactions to the proposed closure of their department.

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Evie Inglis, a third year student, said: “I truly cannot find the right words to express how devastating the recent news about Cardiff University School of Music is. I am extremely grateful for my three years at Cardiff Uni Music.

“The notion that a Russell Group University in a capital city is denying students the opportunity to study music is disgraceful.”

A timetable for the “protest busk” earlier this week

Fellow student Izzy Selby, also said that while she understands that cuts need to be made, “it feels incredibly sad to lose the only Russell Group in Wales’ music department. I worry about the message this sends to Wales (and the rest of the UK) about the arts and their importance, and it does feel like a huge injustice”.

The pair both expressed how their degrees have “shaped them into the musicians they are today”, stressing how the the department offers “a world of opportunities”.

Music is not the only school pushing back against the potential cuts. Nursing and modern languages have also started petitions to save their courses, which can be found at change.org.

Consultations on the plans will run for three months, with approval expected to be considered in June by the University Council.

A Cardiff University spokesperson told The Cardiff Tab:“It’s important to remember that these are proposals – the views and ideas of our community, including staff, students and external stakeholders, will shape the proposals.

“In the short term there will be no immediate impact on music students nor their ability to complete their studies. We will also accept students onto the music degree programmes in 2025.

“We want to work with a range of external partners on the provision of music within Wales and will be working hard to collaborate on a sustainable approach to music education.

Featured image via change.org