A former Finham Park student, now turned musician, producer and singer-songwriter, met with Coventry music students during his trip to his home city on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February.
Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation. John’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.
Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation.
Garrison has become a much in demand studio musician, playing on tracks by Ed Sheeran, Christine Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Lewis Capaldi, Sting, Josh Groban, Benson Boone and James Blunt to name a few. He also co-wrote the Robbie Williams and Sir Rod Stewart no.1 duet, ‘Fairytales’.
Garrison’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.
The musician is currently touring as a Bass Player with James Blunt and his visit aimed to help inspire students.
Similarly to Ed, the artist began his trip by visiting grassroots music venue The TIN Music and Arts on Wednesday 12 February. John spent time getting involved in a creative music session with SoundLab-Cov – a successful Coventry Music programme.
On Thursday 13 February, the multi-instrumentalist visited his old school, Finham Park and Coventry AP Academy. Garrison supported the young musicians with developing their skills, shared insights of the music industry and encouraged young people to explore creative careers.
John Garrison said: "When I was growing up in Coventry, there wasn’t really many options if you wanted make a career in music, other than forming a band and hoping for the best. So, when Ed told me about his Foundation and the amazing work of Coventry Music Hub and SoundLab, I just had to get involved.
“I want to show Coventry kids that there are many paths into the music business. If a non-music reading kid from Finham like me can do it, anyone can. You just need to work hard and don’t take no for an answer.”
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “It’s fantastic that John chose to come to his home city to see the brilliant music education work that goes on. As one of our former students, he’s a great role model for those students who want to follow in similar footsteps.
“Music is a great way for self-expression and development of young people socially and John really inspired our young people to follow their creative careers during his visit.”
As well as performing, Garrison also writes his own music, produces and remixes for other artists and composes for TV and Film with credits as a composer for Keeping up with the Kardashians, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Brave New World.
Garrison will now go straight from AP Academy to a sold out Leeds arena to rejoin the 2025 James Blunt tour.
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