Ed Sheeran launches new foundation to improve access to music for young people in the UK - as he reflects on how learning to play instruments shaped his childhood

Ed Sheeran has launched a new foundation to improve access to music for young people in the UK, as he reflected on how learning to play instruments shaped his childhood.

The pop sensation, 33, announced on Thursday that he has created the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative aimed at providing inclusive, high-quality music education.

Music education in the UK faces significant challenges, with varying needs across regions, schools, and age groups. 

While the UK music industry contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy in 2024, disparities still remain in terms of access to music education. 

A 2019 BPI survey revealed that one in four schools serving disadvantaged communities offer no music lessons at all.

Upon its launch, Ed's foundation has already supported 18 grassroots music education organisations and state school music departments across the UK. 

This support will directly impact 12,000 children and young people by improving access to instruments, creating performance opportunities, and opening pathways into the music industry.

Ed went into further details of why the new venture is so important to him, in a lengthy Instagram post, accompanied by a heartwarming video of him speaking to schoolchildren about the importance of music.

He penned in the caption: 'I set up @edsheeranfnd because recently there’s been less and less importance being put on music education. 

'Even when I was in school it was seen as a ‘doss subject’ and not taken seriously. There’s a misconception that it’s ’not a real job’ - when the music industry accounts for 216,000 jobs in so many different fields, and bringing as much as £7.6 billion in a year to the UK economy. 

'Not to mention the power our art has worldwide to bring joy to people. It’s something we should be proud of and championing in the UK, not sweeping under the rug and pretending we are just bankers (no offence to bankers obvz).'

He continued: 'It was incredible for my mental health as a kid, feeling a sense of purpose and achievement, even just learning piano or cello at a young age way before songwriting. 

'I want kids to be able to learn instruments, learn production and songwriting, performing, and have apprenticeship schemes help them learn different skills to enter the industry.

'I employ 150 people on tour who all have different skill sets, there’s also labels, management, publishing, promoters. Music is such a key part of our society. 

'The more I do travelling around and visiting schools and grass roots projects, the more I see there’s passion and inspiring people, who are being undervalued and underserved.'

The star signed off with: 'I’m hoping this foundation is a start to giving them the support they need to keep going, and show them they are hugely important to us. More to follow, loads of love x.'

In addition to providing hands-on support, the foundation advocates for greater recognition of music's transformative power in young people's lives and the essential role of music teachers. 

A recent report by the Cultural Learning Alliance highlighted a 56% decline in music teacher recruitment since 2011, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.

Ed marked the exciting launch of the foundation by visiting young people, teachers, and youth workers in Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh and Belfast.

He commented: 'Music education has shaped who I am. I've always enjoyed playing music, and it's led to some of the best moments of my life.'

One of the grassroots organisations visited was Sound Progression in Cardiff and with the foundation's support, the organisation offers weekend music lessons and mentoring to young people. 

Paul Lyons, founder, DJ, and music producer, said: 'Our young people come from diverse backgrounds across Cardiff and enjoy creating music in various genres from Afrobeats to Indie. 

'Our weekend workshops serve as safe, inclusive spaces that unite communities—but without additional investment, we risk losing this and the incredible talent they nurture.'

In Coventry, the foundation is partnering with Coventry Alternative Provision (AP) Academy and Coventry Music on studio space. 

AP academies are for young people without a school place through exclusion or in need of a mainstream education. 

Glenn Mellor, head teacher, highlighted the impact: 'Music is so important for our young people. 

'Having this studio reaches them in a way that will inspire them to believe they can go further with their ambitions and future careers.'