Royal Academy of Music teacher wrongfully sacked for referring to violinists as 'gypos', tribunal rules

Professor Francesca Carpos-Young was dismissed from her post last year
Professor Francesca Carpos-Young was dismissed from her post last year Credit: Paul Davey/SWNS

A Royal Academy of Music teacher was wrongfully dismissed for referring to violinists as 'gypos', a tribunal ruled.

Professor Francesca Carpos-Young, an internationally renowned bassoonist, was dismissed from her post last year after she circulated a note to 800 students on how to earn a “good reputation”.

Within it she pointed out what the musicians might expect in the ‘real world’ by explaining terms students could expect to hear.

Dr Carpos wrote: “Gypos (short for gypsies) = violinists specifically” while also explaining that string players are known as “pond life” who are expected to drink in “tea rooms” while the brass section is more likely found in the pub.

However one student described the comments as "shameful stereotyping".

Francesca Carpos with the singer Sir Tom Jones, posted on her Facebook page
Francesca Carpos with the singer Sir Tom Jones, posted on her Facebook page Credit: Facebook

An open letter was then signed by 58 students saying the professor was "a symptom of a much broader and deeper failure to live up to institutional aims regarding equality and diversity".

However chairwoman Judge Sarah Goodman ruled Prof Carpos-Young, 59, had not intended this to happen and that her words had been taken out of context.

"They were ironic in tone, intended to convey the real world in which instrumentalists and singers would have to find work and build a career, and how to behave to get on in precarious world of sessional booking,” she said.

While the Royal Academy criticised the professor for not 'framing' exactly what she meant, Judge Goodman added that "at most the claimant can be accused of foolishness in failing to anticipate how a superficial readership might wrench some of the terms out of context and manufacture a sense of outrage that was entirely disproportionate (on a plain reading of her notes and email) to the document's plain intent”.

The Royal Academy of Music took action after students criticised her choice of langauge in an open letter
The Royal Academy of Music took action after students criticised her choice of langauge in an open letter Credit: SWNS

Prof Carpos-Young told the central London tribunal she was raising awareness of inequality in her industry.

The professor, who is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, said the notes were referencing findings she had made interviewing more than 100 musicians for her PhD over discrimination in their industry.

In a written ruling employment Judge Goodman and colleagues upheld her claims for wrongful dismissal and victimisation.

The possibility of Prof Carpos-Young resuming her old job will now be discussed at a remedy hearing when compensation will be agreed.

Welcoming the ruling, Prof Carpos-Young said: "It was hugely painful for me to lose the job I loved, and to suffer such significant damage to my reputation as a musician and teacher in the circumstances that I did.

"It has been an extremely difficult year for me and my family, but I am delighted by this outcome, and I am looking forward to moving on with my career."

License this content