Lincoln College Group reaffirms commitment to running Newark School of Musical Instrument Craft after low application numbers force cancellation of degree courses
A college has doubled down on its reassurances a famed musical instrument school will not close — and that alternative courses are in the pipeline.
The Lincoln College Group, through its Newark College branch, runs the Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts.
The establishment is one of very few dedicated facilities in the country, but announced the cancellation of its BA (Hons) programmes in violin, guitar, piano, or woodwind making and repair for 2025/26 earlier this month due to low application numbers.
The news was met with an outpouring of concern and passion from current students, instrument makers, and the arts community — all keen to ensure the continuation of the heritage crafts.
In a new statement, Mel Watson, the college group’s assistant principal for higher education, said: “Recent developments at the School of Musical Instrument Crafts mean that as a college group, we have been inundated with recollections, nostalgia and passion for what we know is a revered and special place for many people.”
She offered further assurances that the school has the “full support of the college” and while there won’t be new degree programmes starting, certainly this year, alternative courses are being explored to ensure the practical skills key to the craft can continue to be taught.
Students currently enrolled in degree programmes at the school, validated by the University of Hull, will continue their studies to graduation.
“The magnitude of responses from key stakeholders and the local community and former students has been incredible,” Ms Watson continued.
“The sheer passion has been something to behold and we are moved as a college and as supporters of industry as to just how much support people have for what we affectionately call the ‘MIC’ in Newark.”
Violin school tutor John Wright, added: “As someone who has been fortunate enough to enjoy all of their professional life working in the arts, I can’t quite quantify how rewarding it is to teach at this amazing institution.
“I can’t imagine many teachers experience the unwavering levels of commitment and engagement we enjoy from the students on these courses. It really is quite extraordinary.
“The department has an amazing energy and is filled with fascinating people that dive deep into a love of what they do on a daily basis.
“The recent influx of interest from the arts industry as a whole, has been very reassuring for the staff and students alike. I’m very much looking forward to sharing the unique alchemy of our courses, with those that may be in a position to help preserve and future-proof such an important part of our musical ecosystem system.”
The college is now looking to partner with as many organisations as possible to secure the long-term financial future of the school — as well as, critically, grow the number of students applying for the courses.
Ms Watson said: “Initial meetings and correspondence with key stakeholders have been positive but we need tangible support in the short term for those students wishing to study at the college in 2025-26 without access to Higher Education loans, and medium to longer term refocused programme content and a much broader awareness of the school and marketing plan to increase enrolments.
“One clear barrier to this is the high cost of the programmes for students, most of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds and looking for careers in the industry.
“We are ready to rally to ensure the future of the ‘MIC’ so it can be enjoyed for many years to come.”