The role goes to James Cronin, a guitar and string instrument player and tutor.

And the pair have discovered they have  have much in common.

Both are former high school science teachers, current YRSM tutors, their families are enrolled at the school and, of course, they love  music.

Stewart said his former job at Murrumburrah High School - which saw him in various management roles including principal - helped him adapt so well when he was appointed YRSM director in 2010.

“I already had many, many years’ experience in running an organisation,” he said.

“The big thing was I had a passion for music, it was a vehicle to indulge in.”

The piano and pipe organ accompanist from Harden oversaw administration, policy development and human resources, and accompanied several concerts and student exams.

In the early days he also coordinated all concert programs - now done through an event coordinator - including student and professional events, and the Morning Melodies series.

All the while he still found time to teach piano and musical theory.

A particular highlight for Stewart was when the school received the Excellence in Community Service award at consecutive Young Business Awards in 2011 and 2014.

“That was very gratifying,” Stewart said.

He also said the school’s 30th anniversary celebration  last year was very special.

A cohesive staff and hosting ensembles and professionals over the years were also highlights.

Like the time when YRSM’s Red Cherry Jazz Band and the Choir of the Southern Cross performed with James Morrison and Louise Callinan - a local soprano with an international reputation now based in Paris.

“In this organisation music and emotion are things that go together,” Stewart said.

While he hopes to lead a quieter lifestyle, he’ll continue to teach and accompany the Choir of the Southern Cross.

“My thanks to staff, management committee, students, parents and friends who have made it an absolute pleasure for me to lead YRSM since 2010,” Stewart said.

“I look forward to a continuing and long association with YRSM albeit in a different role.”

His word of advice for his successor - a former Hennessy Catholic College science and agriculture teacher - was to pace himself for the big job ahead and keep things in perspective.

James had previously been a student and tutor at YRSM for three years and will continue to teach on a smaller scale during his leadership.

He originally hails from Lismore and has 27 years’ experience playing at gigs, concerts, parties and in a duo.

He’s been on the job for almost two weeks and said it’s going well so far.

“There’s a lot to learn, lots of reading of files,” James said.

“[I’m looking forward] to building on what we’ve already got here and look for ways to grow the organisation.

“The biggest challenge is finding everything, reporting deadlines, getting finalised. It’ll be a little while in the job before I look at anything else.

“I am enjoying the responsibility and the challenge, and the new experience which will make it an adventure.”