LONDON — Ed Sheeran is advocating for the importance of music education in schools, aiming to enhance access to quality musical training for children in the U.K. To achieve this, the renowned British singer-songwriter has established a foundation dedicated to this cause.
Having started his musical journey at a young age, largely due to the encouragement of his teacher, Sheeran is motivated to fill the gaps created by decreasing funding for the arts. As part of his initiative, he’s making visits to various schools and youth organizations in cities like Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh, and Belfast, helping to raise awareness about music education.
While addressing a group of students in Wales recently, accompanied by his songwriting partner, Amy Wadge, Sheeran emphasized the need for music to be recognized as a viable career path. “In Britain, there’s this tendency to steer students towards careers in banking, technology, or finance,” he remarked. He assured the young audience, “We are examples that it is achievable. Both of us came from state school backgrounds, and it only takes a supportive environment cultivated by the teachers around you to foster confidence.”
Sheeran has a personal connection to Wales; his formative years included visits to Cardiff to collaborate with Wadge on his songwriting, describing that time as a pivotal chapter in his life. During the session, he performed his famed hit “Shape of You” and engaged with young musicians at a Cardiff youth initiative, illustrating the joy and vibrancy of music creation.
The Ed Sheeran Foundation, since its inception, has collaborated with 18 grassroots music education organizations and maintained support for music departments in state schools, aiming to expand access to instruments and lessons, thus benefiting around 12,000 children. The foundation also seeks to highlight the crucial role of music educators and promote how music can significantly impact the lives of youth.
In a post on Instagram regarding this initiative, Sheeran reflected on his own experiences with music education. He expressed a desire for children to have similar opportunities, stating, “Music was invaluable for my mental well-being as a young person; it provided me with purpose and achievement, even while I was learning instruments like the piano or cello long before I started songwriting. I hope to enable children to play instruments, explore music production, songwriting, and performance, and benefit from apprenticeship programs that equip them with essential industry skills.”
Moreover, Sheeran highlighted the extensive job market within the music industry, emphasizing that his tours alone employ around 150 individuals beyond the performers. A recent report from UK Music revealed that in 2023, approximately 216,000 people were employed within the music sector in the U.K., showcasing the industry’s significant economic impact.
