Global star, singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran surprised young, aspiring musicians in his exciting visit to the city on Thursday 9 January.
The Castle on the Hill star was hosted by Coventry Music and visited three different venues across the city where he was introduced to the service’s inclusive programmes and the breadth of inspiring work they do.
This covered a creative beat making, rap and grime session at an alternative provision setting, Coventry Academy. A creative music making session, hosted by Barrs Hill School, led by Coventry Music programme SoundLab-Cov and attendees from city wide schools. Finishing off at grassroots music venue The TIN Music and Arts, Ed was introduced to groups involved in Live On Stage, Positive Choices and Band Together.
Live On Stage enables young people to meet like-minded musically inspired musicians from across the city and form bands in a supportive and nurturing environment. Positive Choices is a programme designed to enable young people to engage in music as a safe and supportive way to express themselves. Band Together is Coventry Music’s band for those in care who can make music with those in similar circumstances, supported by the Children’s Services team and Virtual School.
To address some disparities in accessing music education, Ed has also launched the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative aimed at providing inclusive, high-quality music education. Upon its launch, the 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.
During his visit, Ed met students from Barrs Hill, Coundon Court, Lyng Hall, Stoke Park and President Kennedy. Whilst meeting with the young people, Ed heard some of their original work, learned more about their aspirations and how the music services in the city support their ambitions of breaking into the industry and having a career in music.
Ed Sheeran, who played at the HMV Empire in 2021, said: “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”
As part of the Heart of England Music Hub (the music hub for Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull), Coventry Music teaches over 7,500 students a week across the city, with programmes ranging across many genres and styles. 33% of students are on free school meals, whilst 24% have known special educational needs barriers.
Mark Steele, Coventry Music Lead at Coventry City Council said: “We were delighted that Ed wanted to come to Coventry to see our work and really enjoyed showing him all the fantastic work that happens here. I agree with Ed that music is a great way for self-expression and development of young people socially.
“We would love more of the music industry to support programmes working with young people to encourage and inspire them to do more – but also to leave lasting support through mentoring, opportunities, advocacy and access to equipment. The talent is out there but there needs to be additional support to allow all young people to flourish”.
Joel Miles (15) from Barr’s Hill School said: “It was a great experience. It was the last thing I expected today and just seeing him (Ed) in person was just wow! Seeing him perform and seeing how much he cared about music was just a really nice experience. I’m really glad I met him.”
Ed’s visit has been a brilliant experience for Coventry students!
About the Ed Sheeran Foundation:
The Ed Sheeran Foundation is dedicated to supporting music education in state schools and grassroots organisations across the UK, particularly in areas where it is less accessible. By promoting inclusivity and fostering high-quality music education, the foundation aims to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to explore their potential through music.
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