Ed Sheeran Pens Open Letter Urging the British Government to Invest in Music Education

Ed Sheeran’s Call for Musical Education Funding

Ed Sheeran wrote an open letter to the Government of Great Britain, urging for immediate and long-term financing of musical education.

A letter endorsed by prominent figures, including Elton John, Coldplay, Central Si, Harry Styles, Dave, Stormzy, and Robert Plant, appeals to Keir Starmer for a £250 million investment in musical education.

Key Areas of Focus

Having launched the Ed Sheeran Foundation in January, the initiative highlights five critical areas for governmental focus to enhance standards: funding for music in schools, training for music teachers, financial support for grassroots venues and spaces, musical apprenticeships, and a diverse music program.

The letter includes signatures from hundreds of professionals in the music industry, civil society, and the education sector, advocating for a cross-party approach at the government level to ensure that musical education does not “fall through the cracks.”

“Dear Sir Keir Starmer, we write collectively as artists, civil society, and industry, calling on your personal faith in music and your commitment to everyone under Labour,” the letter states.

Additionally, it notes that the music industry contributes £7.6 billion to the UK economy annually but warns that “the next generation will not be able to take the reins,” as many young people cannot afford to learn an instrument.

“Last year marked the first time in over 20 years without a British artist’s single or album in the UK top 10,” continues the letter. “The time for action is now. In state schools—which educate 93% of the country’s children—there has been a 21% decrease in music funding.”

“We collectively request a £250 million investment in British music education this spring to repair decades of damage. Musical education affects multiple sectors, including culture, education, foreign affairs, healthcare, social security, and business.”

“We recognize the various pressures,” it concludes. “As artists, civil society, and industry representatives, we want to be part of the decision-making process.”

The letter is also supported by renowned artists such as Annie Lennox, Eric Clapton, Fred Again…, Oliver Sykes, Richard Curtis, Sleaford Mods, Gary Lightbody, and others.

Recent Support from Artists

This initiative follows powerful statements made at the British Awards earlier this month. Miles Smith, while accepting the Rising Star Award, shared his experience: “I grew up in a single-parent household, relying on free school meals and had access to instruments only through government-supported programs. And somehow, I am here as a four-time nominee for Best British Artist, a graduate of a Russell Group university, and receiving the biggest hit of 2024.”

“With this national attention and this award, which gives me significant influence, I want to ask three questions. First, why has British music, one of our most potent cultural exports, been treated as an afterthought for so long?”

“How many more venues have to close, how many music programs must be cut before we understand that we cannot simply celebrate success without protecting the foundational elements that create it?” he added.

At the same ceremony, Ezra Collective, who won Best British Group, also addressed this issue. “This moment is dedicated to the great youth clubs, incredible teachers, and fantastic schools that support young people in making music,” they stated.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation aims to provide inclusive, high-quality musical education for children throughout Great Britain, particularly focusing on areas where it is currently less accessible. It highlights that a 2019 BPI survey revealed that one in four schools serving disadvantaged communities does not offer any music lessons.

Last year, Sheeran criticized the Conservative government for prioritizing bankers over cultural funding. “I’ve been involved with music in schools for the past seven years, because in my locality, my former music teacher reached out to me, saying, ‘Look, the current government does not value arts, including drama and music, and they have cut funding for secondary schools,’” he explained.

“My music teacher described how they had to share a meager £700 a year for all three subjects: art, music, and drama. So, I started funding it in my local secondary school, leading to significant growth among children engaged in music production and songwriting.”