Business manager Luke Mitton said a range of factors influenced the difficult decision to close the academy in McLachlan Street.

“The teachers have agreed that the academy is not sustainable in the current structure, and decided not to continue running it past term four,” he said.

“The decision was not made lightly – it took us a while to get there. But unfortunately it's what we have to do.”

Mr Mitton said about 80 students received tuition in term three. 

“We have eight teachers at the moment, teaching mostly piano. But we also offer guitar and drum lessons,” he said.

“We also run group theory classes, but attendance to these classes has gradually dropped.

“The rising cost of utilities and rent make running the venue expensive.

“Students don't only learn an instrument these days, they also play sport and are involved in many other activities. This impacts their ability to dedicate enough time to those activities.

“It was a combination of things that has led to the decision to close.”

Mr Mitton said it was disappointing to lose the academy.

“I'm hoping the teachers will be able to keep running classes themselves,” he said.

“It might be difficult as the space to teach in will no longer be there, but we hope they continue on with their students.”

Mr Mitton said the academy had a long-standing association with the Wimmera Eisteddfod.

Horsham Music Academy students have also featured in the annual Richard Morris Memorial Concert.

Stephanie Adler Latimer has been an academy teacher for seven years, and said she would be sad to see the academy go.

“You are constantly working with like-minded people in the field of your passion – that has been a definite highlight,” she said.

“We need to thank Wendy Weight as the founder of the academy. She has given us many opportunities over the years.

“A lot of very fine people have worked in the academy building.”

Mrs Adler Latimer said most teachers hoped to continue teaching privately. 

“The students won't be left without teachers that's for sure,” she said.