Royal Conservatory of Music to investigate historical abuse allegations

The Royal Conservatory of Music says it will begin an independent, thirdparty investigation after historical sexual abuse allegations emerged from former students and others connected to the institution. According to the conservatory, survivors have recently described abuse they say happened when they were children or young adults in the 1970s and 1980s. The Torontobased institution said it has already completed an internal review and is now examining additional historical records, including material linked to the University of Toronto, which owned and operated the conservatory before 1991. In a statement, board leaders said they want the process to be transparent and confidential for anyone who comes forward. The conservatory said it will identify outside experts to lead the investigation and later share more details once the scope is finalized.