Ed Shiran’s Call for Musical Education Funding
Ed Shiran has addressed a letter to the Prime Minister of Great Britain, Sir Keir Starmer, and other government officials, urging them to provide immediate and long-term financing for musical education in the UK.
This initiative coincides with the launch of the Ed Shiran Foundation in January, which aims to offer “inclusive, high-quality musical education.”
The letter has garnered over 500 signatures, receiving backing from prominent artists including Harry Styles, Central Cee, Coldplay, Stormzy, Elton John, Dave, Ilda Brown, Miles Smith, Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, Fashion Slifud, and many others.
In his open letter, Shiran has requested £250 million ($320 million) in government funding for musical education, stating that this support is crucial for ensuring focus and resources are maintained across the entire sector.
Key Areas of Focus for the Ed Shiran Fund
Shiran outlined a campaign centered on five essential growth areas as part of the recently launched Ed Shiran Fund: financing for musical education in schools, training programs for music teachers, support for early-stage musicians, and initiatives promoting a diverse music curriculum.
In his appeal to the Prime Minister and several government departments—including Culture, Education, Foreign Affairs, Health, and Business—Shiran emphasized the importance of addressing this issue and securing funding for musical education to prevent it from being overlooked.
His letter follows appearances at last month’s Brit Awards, where musicians Miles Smith and Ezra called for enhanced funding for music education.
The music industry is reported to have contributed £7.6 billion to the UK economy in 2023.
Shiran stated: “I launched the Ed Shiran Fund because I believe in the importance of music, and I want musical education to be accessible to everyone. During my school years, music gave me direction, aided my mental health, brought me joy, and paved the way for my career.
“I have met and listened to numerous young students and teachers across Great Britain recently, and it’s evident that musical education is facing challenges. There are countless talents and passions, yet these children lack the necessary support to pursue their dreams in the music industry, which is why I wrote this letter on their behalf.”
“We urgently need funding that goes directly to schools and local communities. We are running out of time.”
Ed Shiran
Shiran further remarked, “While the government has announced a new package for arts education, we urgently require funding that reaches the hands of schools and local communities. We are running out of time.
“This creative industry contributes significantly to our culture, communities, economy, and personal well-being, yet music education has suffered from neglect. That’s why I’m calling on the government to address past mistakes and ensure robust support for future generations.”
The Ed Shiran Foundation is dedicated to supporting musical education in public schools and community organizations throughout the UK, particularly in areas where access is limited.
Shiran highlighted the fund’s launch while visiting young people, teachers, and youth workers in Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
To date, the fund has supported 18 music organizations and state school music departments, impacting more than 12,000 children and young individuals.
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