RCM head of strings resigns during disciplinary hearing

Violinist Mark Messenger is no longer employed as head of strings at the Royal College of Music (RCM) after an independent investigation upheld complaints that constituted 'gross misconduct'.

He resigned with immediate effect during his disciplinary hearing.

Messenger, 60, was suspended in October 2023 following complaints which RCM confirmed as relating to misconduct. The outcome of the disciplinary process and resignation were confirmed in a message from RCM director Colin Lawson to students and staff.  

The letter reads: 'The welfare and development of students is central to the Royal College of Music. To make the process of making a complaint as simple and safe as possible, we will be launching a new reporting tool called Report + Support, replacing our existing RCM reporting tool. This online platform is widely used across the university sector.' 

Messenger served as head of strings at RCM for 20 years.

His suspension prompted British cellist Julian Lloyd Webber to call for an end one-to-one tuition in conservatoires, saying: 'Often students can learn from watching each other gradually improve, as well as from their teachers. It is certainly not a disadvantage for anyone and I urge institutions to impose this rule of having at least three students together for a lesson.'