A former violin instructor at the Royal College of Music has been charged with sexually assaulting a prospective student during a trial lesson, a court heard. Jan Repko, 67, appeared at Southwark Crown Court in connection with allegations that he inappropriately touched the woman during a session in 2022.
According to the prosecution, Repko met the complainant, whose name is withheld, to assess their compatibility as teacher and student. During the lesson, he allegedly touched her waist and bottom and placed a hand over her crotch area before removing her trousers and assaulting her.
Following the session, the woman confided in a friend about what had happened. The friend subsequently advised her to inform her mother, who accompanied her to report the incident to police. During the initial interview, the complainant showed hesitation in recounting the events and requested her mother leave the room.
Repko denied any wrongdoing in police interviews, claiming that he conducted an exercise intended to improve the student’s sound by encouraging her to shift her weight onto her heels and lean back. He said the complainant showed no signs of discomfort or distress during or after their walk to a nearby Tube station.
The police investigation remained ongoing, and later in 2023 the complainant provided additional details, stating she had initially left out some information. She described being asked by Repko if he could conduct an “experiment” because her playing sounded “strained.” When she consented to him touching her hand, he instead placed one hand on her waist and the other on her bottom, leading to the alleged assault.
Afterwards, Repko reportedly asked how the exercise felt, to which the complainant said “uncomfortable.” He then inquired if she noticed any difference in her performance, and she replied “not really,” the court heard.
The Royal College of Music, located in South Kensington, was founded in 1883 and was ranked the world’s leading performing arts institution in 2022. Repko, a well-known former violin teacher associated with the college, faces charges of sexual assault by touching and assault by penetration. The trial is ongoing.