Ed Sheeran launches new foundation to improve access to music for young people in the UK - as he reflects on how learning to play instruments shaped his childhood
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Ed Sheeran has launched a new foundation to improve access to music for young people in the UK, as he reflected on how learning to play instruments shaped his childhood. The pop sensation, 33, announced on Thursday that he has created the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative aimed at providing inclusive, high-quality music education.
![[The pop sensation, 33, announced that he has created the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative aimed at providing inclusive, high-quality music education]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/18/93926803-14268067-image-a-28_1736448946832.jpg)
Music education in the UK faces significant challenges, with varying needs across regions, schools, and age groups. While the UK music industry contributed a record £7.6 billion to the economy in 2024, disparities still remain in terms of access to music education.
![[Ed went into further details of why the new venture is so important to him, in a lengthy Instagram post, accompanied by a heartwarming video]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93927947-14268067-image-a-44_1736450868459.jpg)
A 2019 BPI survey revealed that one in four schools serving disadvantaged communities offer no music lessons at all. Upon its launch, Ed's foundation has already supported 18 grassroots music education organisations and state school music departments across the UK.
![[He continued: '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']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93927953-14268067-image-a-47_1736450908264.jpg)
Ed Sheeran has launched a new foundation to improve access to music for young people in the UK, as he reflected on how learning to play instruments shaped his childhood. The pop sensation, 33, announced that he has created the Ed Sheeran Foundation, a UK-wide initiative aimed at providing inclusive, high-quality music education.
![[The star 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']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93927949-14268067-image-a-50_1736450968492.jpg)
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. Ed went into further details of why the new venture is so important to him, in a lengthy Instagram post, accompanied by a heartwarming video of him speaking to schoolchildren about the importance of music.
![[In addition to providing hands-on support, the foundation advocates for greater recognition of music's transformative power in young people's lives and the essential role of music teachers]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/19/93928177-14268067-image-a-53_1736451098200.jpg)
