Martin Rummel, the University of Auckland's head of the School of Music, has resigned.
The Associate Professor and former cello tutor at the university will finish his role in February 2020. He has been the head of the School of Music since 2016.
Cellist Martin Rummel. Photo: Nancy Horowitz
Rummel’s resignation follows his contract being renewed in June.
When approached by RNZ Concert’s Upbeat programme to give comment on his resignation Rummel said it was a “normal process” and that his resignation was “not in the public interest” and “not of anybody’s business”.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Auckland Stuart McCutcheon says “Associate Professor Rummel brought vision to the school and made a significant contribution to the necessary changes to the way music students are educated.
“School of Music student cohorts are receiving a quality and breadth of education that will equip them as musicians and in other industry roles, in a rapidly changing and internationally focused world.”
Professor Stuart McCutcheon Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
During his time as the Head of the School of Music Rummel led a controversial revamp of the School’s curriculum, which came into effect this year. In a 2018 interview with Upbeat he described the new degree as “world leading”, which would help “future proof” music education at the university.
The revamp, overseen by the university, also included restructuring of staff. Four faculty members lost their jobs following months of submissions and consultation with staff, the students’ association and the wider music community in 2018.
Photo: Claudine van Massenhove
Staff affected by the restructure included Professor Uwe Grodd, Senior Lecturer in cello Edith Salzmann and musicology lecturer Peter Watts.
During his career as a cellist Rummel has recorded more than 40 titles; most recently Ries: Complete works for cello Vol 2, which was released earlier this month and recorded with Eric Lamb and Stefan Stroissnig for the Naxos label.
