Aspiring music students in Coventry were in awe when global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran visited on Thursday, January 9. The music star visited various schools across the city and music venues to see the music programmes and the work they do for music students.
Ed visited Barr’s Hill School, Coventry Academy, and the TIN Music and Arts based at Coventry Canal Basin, where he met students who were part of various groups such as Positive Choices, Live on Stage, and Band Together at the music venues. Sessions were also held on rap and grime, creating music and curating beats.
To help more youngsters get into music, Ed also launched the Ed Sheeran Foundation to help young people who want a career in music to receive an inclusive, high-quality music education. The foundation has already helped 18 grassroots music organisations and state school music departments across the country.
Read more: Customers saddened over closure of long-established Coventry café say it will be ‘missed’
Ed also met students from Stoke Park, Lyng Hall, Coundon Court, and President Kennedy. The singer heard some of their original work and learned how music services in Coventry support young people’s music careers. 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 Ed in person was just wow! Seeing him perform and how much he cared about music was a nice experience. I’m really glad I met him.”
Mark Steele, Coventry City Council’s music lead, 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 social development of young people.
“We would love more of the music industry to support programmes working with young people to encourage and inspire them to do more and leave lasting support through mentoring, opportunities, advocacy and access to equipment. The talent is out there, but additional support must be needed to allow all young people to flourish.”
As part of the Heart of England Music Hub, Coventry Music teaches over 7,500 students a week across the city, with various programmes of different styles and genres. 33% of the students who attend are on free school meals, while 24% have special educational needs barriers.
Take a look at the images in our photo gallery below of Ed Sheeran’s visit to Coventry:
Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE