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Top music professor AXED from Glasgow music school after 16 years over relationship with female student
He was the head of jazz for 16 years and was awarded with an OBE in 2019
DISMISSED Top music professor AXED from Glasgow music school after 16 years over relationship with female student
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A TOP jazz professor has been sacked from a Glasgow music school after 16 years amid allegations over a relationship with a female student.
Professor Tommy Smith was given the boot from his post as head of jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow after the claims flagged to bosses.
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Saxophonist Tommy Smith was sacked from his post as Head of Jazz at the RCS
Credit: Alamy
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The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said it had launched a probe into the claims
The prestigious music institution, which boasts King Charles as its patron, launched a probe into the claims and confirmed Smith has since been dismissed.
The 58-year-old saxophonist, originally of Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, had been at the helm of jazz studies at the RCS for 16 years.
In 2019, Smith was awarded an OBE for services to Jazz from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
He founded the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and the Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra, had a global touring career, numerous solo albums and established a record label in his name.
A source close to the Conservatoire revealed that the allegations related to his relationship with a female student who was over the age of 18.
They told the Scottish Mail on Sunday: "Tommy is a very self-confident man which, coupled with his reputation, gives him a definite magnetism in jazz circles.
"But it came as a shock when somebody with such standing ended up being suspended from what is a very prestigious post.
"The tip-off to the Royal Conservatoire came from a third party and, given the nature of the allegations, they had little option other than to suspend Tommy.
"We all hoped a brilliant musician and tutor could get back to work as soon as possible.
"It's hard to overestimate what he has done for jazz in Scotland. He's a generational talent.
Dick Halligan performs Spinning Wheel with Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1969
"But the Conservatoire clearly couldn't see a way back for him."
A spokesperson for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: "Following a disciplinary investigation and hearing, Tommy Smith has been dismissed. RCS has robust policies in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.'
Tommy Smith was contacted for comment.
