In a passionate appeal to the UK government, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has penned an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, urging immediate and long-term funding for music education. The letter, which already boasts over 600 signatures from prominent figures in the music industry, including the likes of Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, and Elton John, calls upon the government to commit £250 million towards revitalizing music education in schools across the country.
Sheeran's initiative follows the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation in January 2025, aimed at providing inclusive and high-quality music education. This foundation seeks to protect and grow music education amid concerns that talent is slipping through the cracks due to a lack of support.
In the open letter, Sheeran articulates the dire state of music education, stating, "Learning an instrument and getting up on stage – whether in school or a community club – is now a luxury not every child can afford." He acknowledges that the UK music industry is a significant contributor to the economy, generating approximately £7.6 billion annually, yet warns that the next generation of musicians risks being lost without proper funding and support.
Sheeran highlights five key areas that require urgent attention: increased funding for music in schools, effective training for music teachers, support for grassroots venues, music apprenticeship programs, and a more diverse music curriculum. He emphasizes that these essential elements must not only be preserved but actively promoted to foster the next generation of creative talent.
Recent statistics reveal a worrying trend; state schools, which educate 93% of children in the UK, have experienced a 21% decrease in music provisions in recent years. Last year marked a historical low, as it was the first time in over two decades without any UK artist appearing in the global top ten charts. Sheeran's heartfelt letter comes on the heels of poignant speeches delivered at this year's BRIT Awards by award-winners like Myles Smith and Ezra Collective, who underscored the necessity for greater investment in music education.
At the BRIT Awards, Smith drew attention to his success, attributing it to government-backed music programs, and questioned the neglect British music has suffered, stating, "How many more venues need to close, how many music programs need to be cut before we realize that we can’t just celebrate success, we have to protect the foundations that make it?" Smith's sentiments echo those of Ezra Collective, who credited community programs and schools for nurturing their own talent.
As part of a broader strategy to enhance music education, Sheeran's letter calls for a cross-departmental task force within the government. This initiative aims to ensure that music education receives the comprehensive focus and resources it desperately needs, preventing it from being pushed aside in the political agenda.
Sheeran's commitment to music education is not new. He has consistently voiced his concerns over the decline in arts funding in schools and has actively supported music programs in his hometown through the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation. The foundation has already made strides by supporting 18 grassroots music education organizations and state school music departments, positively impacting over 12,000 children and young people.
The Ed Sheeran Foundation’s core mission is to promote inclusivity in music education. By ensuring that every child has access to quality music education, Sheeran hopes to foster a culture of creativity and the next generation of musicians.
In his closing arguments, Sheeran emphasizes that while some government action has been taken, such as a recent package on arts education, it is insufficient, stating, "I acknowledge that the government recently announced a new package on arts education, which is encouraging, but we urgently need funding going directly into the hands of schools and communities on the ground. We’re losing time."
As Sheeran and his fellow artists rally behind this vital cause, they stress that the future of British music hangs in the balance. The time for action is now. A commitment towards music education can not only safeguard the rich cultural legacy of the UK but also stimulate further growth within the music industry, assuring that the next generation of artists receives the opportunities they desperately need to succeed.
