In recent months, survivors have publicly shared accounts of sexual abuse that occurred when they were children and young adults at the Royal Conservatory of Music in the 1970s and 1980s.  

We have heard clearly the distress, hurt, anger and concern in our community, and the questions now being raised about student safety and institutional accountability and transparency. 

The RCM has completed an internal review, and subsequent work will involve an examination of additional historical records. This includes ongoing engagement with the University of Toronto, which owned and operated the RCM prior to 1991. Once completed, the RCM, based on the unanimous resolution of its Board of Directors, will launch an independent, external investigation.  

“We have heard the calls for action clearly from our community, and we are committed to responding with transparency as this work progresses,” said Tim Price, Chair of the Board of Directors. “The complexity and historical nature of this work have reinforced both the urgency and the need for a more robust, independent approach.”  

“While our response to date may have felt distant or slow, please know that the heart of this institution is devastated,” said Rayla Myhal, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. “We have not been hiding behind silence but deciding on a path that will bring meaningful action, and answers, for any survivors of sexual abuse. We are committed to creating lasting, systemic change. The RCM’s Board of Directors welcomes an investigation in the spirit of openness and transparency.” 

The Board has been focused on identifying the appropriate experts to assist in facilitating a third-party investigation. Our goal is for the external investigator to provide a safe, and confidential space for individuals to share accounts of sexual abuse and misconduct, ensuring they are heard with respect, care, and sensitivity. 

We will work with all relevant partners to determine the final scope and will inform our community promptly once a plan is formed. 

The RCM has comprehensive, zero-tolerance policies and procedures addressing harassment, abuse, misconduct, reporting, and student safety. We regularly review our policies and procedures and are committed to systemic, meaningful change — not only to understand what happened in the past, but to ensure no one in our community is harmed in the future.  

For more information, please contact Mihira Lakshman.