Ed Sheeran performs concert at an old school following his request for £250 million investment in music education directed at Keir Starmer
Ed Sheeran has called for a significant investment in music education in the UK, advocating for urgent funding to address a decline in music provision in state schools. The campaign, which has gained widespread support from the music industry, aims to provide opportunities for all students, not just a few.
The open letter, signed by over 500 musicians, including Sir Elton John, Harry Styles, and Stormzy, was addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging a funding commitment of £250 million. The artists emphasize the financial challenges facing music education in the UK and the potential impact on the next generation of talent.
The key areas of improvement outlined in the letter include increasing the number of music teachers by 1,000, significant funding for music education infrastructure and programs, restoring music access in state schools, and ensuring music education is inclusive and available both in and outside of school environments.
The letter also proposes launching 500 music apprenticeships UK-wide, with new festival apprenticeships and industry readiness support for youth at-risk. It suggests a UK-wide fund for grassroots music collaboration to prevent the closure of 1/4 of youth music spaces.
Ed Sheeran's commitment to sustaining UK music's cultural and economic impact is evident in his broader efforts to strengthen educational foundations for new talent. He has credited Richard Hanley, the Director of Music at Thomas Mills High School who is retiring after 36 years, as pivotal in encouraging him to pursue his musical career. The event served as a farewell tribute to Hanley and featured music performances from students past and present.
In a recent Instagram post, Ed Sheeran highlighted the urgent need for investment in music education, citing the lack of opportunities for many young musicians. He believes that music is crucial for the UK's economy, wellbeing, mental health, communities, and young people's dreams.
The campaign reflects Sheeran's efforts to change the current situation and ensure that every young person in the UK has the same opportunities in music education. The full open letter, signed by leading artists and industry figures, can be read online.
[1] BBC News, "Ed Sheeran calls for £250m investment in music education", link [2] Music Week, "Ed Sheeran leads call for £250m investment in music education", link [3] Guardian, "Ed Sheeran leads call for £250m investment in music education", link [4] NME, "Ed Sheeran calls for £250m investment in music education", link [5] Music Business Worldwide, "Ed Sheeran leads call for £250m investment in music education", link
- Ed Sheeran's call for a £250 million investment in music education is part of a broader effort to ensure music education and self-development opportunities for all, not just a few, in the UK.
- The campaign, which has gained support from over 500 musicians, such as Sir Elton John, Harry Styles, and Stormzy, emphasizes the importance of music education as a crucial element for entertainment, the UK's economy, wellbeing, mental health, communities, and young people's dreams.
- Recognizing the urgent need for investment in music education, Ed Sheeran is advocating for increased funding for music education infrastructure, programs, and teacher hiring, as well as online-learning resources to expand access beyond the school environment.
