Ed Sheeran’s foundation has sent an open letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer asking the government to protect and develop music education for children across the UK. VOI.ID reported that Sheeran, writing on behalf of artists, civil society and industry, warned that learning instruments and performing on stage at school or in community clubs have become luxuries not all children can access.
According to VOI.ID, Sheeran cited a 21 percent drop in music learning provision in public schools and noted that last year was the first in more than two decades without a UK single or album on the top 10 global charts. He requested a 250 million UK music education package this spring to address what he called a broken system.
VOI.ID reported that Sheeran asked the government for five measures: school music funds on par with sports; closing the gap by bringing musicians into teaching roles; UK-wide funds for grassroot music cooperation; industry-aligned exhibitions and internships; and diversification of the curriculum incorporating industry voices. He stated that artists and industry cannot perform on the world stage without schools, youth clubs and local stages, and offered to be part of the solution.
For more information, visit voi.id.