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an open letter from Ed Sheeran appeal to the government Providing immediate and long-term funding for music education It is being credited with inspiring a major change in the UK curriculum.
In March, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter – One of Britain’s most successful musical exports – Warned that learning to play instruments and perform on stage has “become a luxury that not every child can afford”.
Backed by fellow stars including Harry Styles, Stormzy and Elton John, the letter appeals for a £250m music education package to help repair “decades of music being lost”.
Government announced today First change to UK curriculum in more than a decadeSheeran’s letter was praised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for supporting Labour’s decision on music and arts education.
bridget philipsonThe Secretary of State for Education referenced Sheeran in his curriculum review speech, saying: “…our creative industries are a source of such national pride. But as Ed Sheeran said so powerfully, we cannot continue to lead on the world stage without a broad base of support in our home schools.
“The arts should be for everyone, not a lucky few… We will revitalize arts education – putting it back at the heart of a rich and broad curriculum.”
The overhaul will ensure that music and the arts will now be available to all children to study at school, while the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) measure – which was widely criticized for valuing “academic” subjects such as maths and science over the arts – is being removed.
Children will now be encouraged to study a wider range of GCSE subjects, including music and art – a key question raised in Sheeran’s letter.
starmer Sheeran also wrote a formal response, praising him for sending a “powerful message” that “creativity matters”.
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He told the singer-songwriter, “I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard.” “The review puts creative subjects firmly at the centre. We are revitalizing arts education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National Center for Arts and Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.
“Learning music at school made a huge difference to my life. We’ll make sure every child has access to those experiences – from arts and culture to nature and civic engagement – so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
in your open letterSheeran made several compelling arguments for the need for better music education funding in the UK – including a damning report of 2024, the first year in over 20 years in which the overall chart did not include a UK global top 10 single or album.
This was a stark contrast to 2017, when Sheeran’s album came out split It became the best-selling film of the year worldwide and was credited with helping increase British music export revenues by a record seven percent.
Responding to the curriculum news, Sheeran said in a statement: “With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m delighted to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognized by the government today, the first change to the music curriculum in 10 years.
“This includes diversifying the musical styles taught in schools and removing outdated systems that prevent children from studying music and the arts during their school days. These changes give young people hope and the opportunity to study music.”
He added: “Without the encouragement I received at school, especially from my music teacher, I would not be the musician I am today, and I know many of my peers feel the same way. My music education went far beyond learning and playing. It helped me gain confidence in myself, and the music itself was – and still is – very important to my mental health.”
Sheeran said that more work remains to be done to support music education in the UK, but he believes the government’s decision is “a step in the right direction”.