A former violin instructor at the Royal College of Music (RCM) facing accusations of sexual assault towards a potential student stated that he was demonstrating techniques to enhance her playing skills.
Jan Repko, aged 68 and originally from South Africa, allegedly assaulted a woman during a consultation lesson in 2022.
The encounter between Repko and the complainant involved her playing several pieces on the violin for him in what was described as a trial session, as detailed in Southwark Crown Court.
It is claimed that Repko touched the woman’s waist, bottom, and crotch area, and proceeded to undo her trousers during the lesson.
The defendant, who also taught at Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, is currently on trial for charges of sexual assault by touching and assault by penetration.
During his testimony on Wednesday, Repko explained to the jury that he provided the complainant with exercises meant to aid in relaxation and technical improvement.
He demonstrated one of the exercises to the jury, illustrating how to position the fingers on the instrument to achieve hand relaxation.
In response to questions regarding his actions during the lesson, Repko clarified that he remained seated while instructing the complainant, emphasizing the goal of helping her relax and improve her performance.
He praised the woman for quickly grasping the techniques and following instructions, commending her intelligence and ability to understand the instructions provided.
Repko affirmed that most of the exercises he assigned the complainant were focused on relaxing her body, including one aimed at correcting her posture by standing up straight and leaning back.
The court previously heard that the alleged assault took place while Repko was demonstrating the posture correction exercise to the woman.
In a police interview, the woman reported that Repko sought permission to touch her hand by asking, “May I?”, but instead touched her waist and bottom without her consent.
The complainant expressed feeling shocked and unsure of how to react, continuing to play the violin before Repko proceeded to sexually assault her.
Repko insisted that he informed the complainant of his intentions to help her relax and improve, requesting her consent before initiating any physical contact during the lesson.
He detailed how he guided the woman through an exercise that involved placing his hands on her hip and back, instructing her to stand upright like a plank.
According to Repko, the exercise proved successful, with noticeable improvements in the sound of the violin following the instruction.
The Royal College of Music, founded in 1883, held the top global ranking for performing arts institutions in 2022.
Residing in Walworth, south-east London, the musician denies all charges brought against him, with the trial ongoing.