Before Ed Sheeran knew how to write a song, he was learning his way around the cello and piano as a kid. Now that he’s written enough to fill five studio albums, more than a dozen EPs, and placements with other artists, he’s clearing a path toward music education for other children. The newly launched Ed Sheeran Foundation will advocate for greater access and funding to be devoted to young people learning instruments, having studio time, and training in all sectors of the music industry.
Sheeran announced the foundation on social media on Thursday, Jan. 9, where he shared old video footage from his childhood when music served as an outlet both creatively and psychologically. “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,” he said. “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.”
Sheeran, who is a father of two, was inspired to launch the foundation after realizing the extent to which music education is being deprioritized in schools. The foundation site notes a 56 percent reduction in the recruitment of music teachers since 2010 and 36 percent cuts to music hubs since 2012 in the U.K.
“The more I do traveling around and visiting schools and grassroots projects, the more I see there’s passion and inspiring people, who are being undervalued and underserved,” he continued. “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.”
The mission statement for the Ed Sheeran Foundation highlights plans for “breaking barriers together,” which prioritizes an increase in access to equipment, instruments, and studios. It also leans further into the mental health relief aspect, noting: “Music boosts mental health, builds confidence, and brings communities together.” The statement also communicates the goal of “unlocking the power of music” through “better funding, inclusive teaching, and diverse opportunities.”
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In his statement, Sheeran expressed interest in having the foundation extend beyond the act of playing music. He noted the incredibly large and wide-ranging crew that assists him on tour, plus labels, management, publishers, promoters, and more, who all play a part in sharing music in different capacities on a large scale.
“Music is such a key part of our society,” he wrote. “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).”
According to the foundation website, 18 schools and youth programs reaching more than 12,000 young people have already benefited from the Ed Sheeran Foundation.
