But what is happening at the municipal conservatory of Gagny? Since the start of the school year in September, seven teachers, out of 36, have resigned or been dismissed, and five – including those of classical dance, cello and music theory – have not been replaced, causing “breaks” in the training of students, assure parents. They recently started a petition that has garnered over 400 signatures.
“The cessation of these courses is detrimental for all students, whether beginners or confirmed, impacting the quality and follow-up of their artistic lessons as much as their motivation, write the petitioners. This pedagogical break particularly affects “advanced” students, engaged in artistic study streams, or intending to do so. »
“My daughter has been playing the piano since CM2 and she hasn’t had lessons since the beginning of December. Her teacher pushed her a lot but she left, says Séverine. Frankly, I’m disgusted. My little neighbor paid for her registration and still hasn’t done anything since September. She assumes that “the conditions offered to teachers are not satisfactory when the demand is enormous”: “There is a minimum wait of a year to get a place in the piano!” “And to judge municipal action harshly: “I have the impression that the importance of the arts in Gagny is being neglected. »
“The city is ready to put the means”
Mayor (LR) Rolin Cranoly rejects these criticisms and recalls that meetings of the conservatory, involving users, teachers, supervisors and elected officials, will begin on Friday: “I am convinced that Gagny must keep its conservatory with municipal influence and the city is ready to put the resources on it. We have to create a real rebound. »
Among the tracks he will propose to the assembly: the creation of a musical harmony, the strengthening of the partnership with the Philharmonie. “I want a conservatory that is less inward-looking,” hopes the elected official, who specifies that he is “in the co-construction” of a project.
The health crisis has not helped but, in a few years, the structure has lost many students: they were around 800 in 2015 and are currently less than 600. “And we have the impression that the students of this year are sacrificed adds Christian, another parent.
“It is extremely complicated to recruit during the year, replies the mayor. When a teacher is already in a structure, he has started to set up projects with his students, he does not leave like that. He hopes that the meeting will be completed by the end of the year, so that parents can see it more clearly during the next registration session.
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