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Rockschool News
18 March, 2025
Inspiring Young Talent: The Ed Sheeran Foundation
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Inspiring young talent is at the heart of recent developments in the UK music scene. The Ed Sheeran Foundation has been making significant strides with its visits to 12 different music hubs around the UK, including recent visits to The Rhythm Studio and Sound Connections, encouraging the next generation of musicians to pursue their dreams. By engaging directly with students, RSL Alumni Ed Sheeran and his Foundation’s funding have played a crucial role in building stronger pathways into the music industry for 1,800 children across the country, especially in some of London’s most disadvantaged communities.
The Ed Sheeran Foundation supports grassroots music education organisations and state school departments across West London. Through a ten-week programme, it offers inclusive, high-quality music education to young people, primarily aged between 8 and 11. The mission is clear: to ensure every child has equal access to music education, enabling them to pursue careers in the industry and express themselves creatively.
Ed Sheeran:
“I want kids to have the opportunity to learn instruments, explore production and songwriting, perform, and access apprenticeship schemes that equip them with the skills needed to enter the industry.”
Ed Sheeran visits The Rhythm Studio. Photos courtesy of The Rhythm Studio.
Sound Connections: Launching the ‘CULTIVATE’ Project
Sound Connections recently announced the launch of their innovative new project, CULTIVATE – a ‘game-changing’ initiative designed to nurture emerging talent and improve accessibility for young people who may not otherwise have the same opportunities. The project brings together six exceptional organisations who aim to work closely and passionately to help young people find their in the industry and begin to make their first steps towards a career in music.
With values that closely align with those of The Ed Sheeran Foundation, whose personal journey through music has been shaped by the opportunities he had as a young, upcoming musician. The Ed Sheeran Foundation and CULTIVATE offer tailored support, networking opportunities, and live performance experiences to help aspiring musicians develop their craft.
Wizdom Layne, Director at Sound Connections:
“The CULTIVATE project is one of the main activities in our new PROGRESS strand of work in Industry Progression Pathways here at Sound Connections, connecting music industry projects like MOBO UnSung and grassroots music organisations with our existing Music Education work and relationships. Sound Connections began supporting organisations like MIDI Music Company, Bigga Fish, Raw Materials, Community Music, and others by providing ‘a seat at the table’ with funders and stakeholders. The CULTIVATE project aims to do the same for the next generation of grassroots organisations making an impact on youth music education in the community.”
The Rhythm Studio: Building the Future of Music
The Rhythm Studio is another standout organisation, providing a dynamic environment for young musicians to develop their talents through performance and production. The academy fosters a community where students can form bands, write and produce their own music, and gain real-world experience by performing at live gigs.
The Rhythm Studio Foundation, founded in 2011, is an initiative focused on supporting students and transforming the lives of those who are economically underprivileged and socially disadvantaged young people through music. They work with schools, hospitals and community groups, using tuition assistance, financial management, and career guidance. Each week, 200 local state school pupils aged 8-11 attend our award-winning Primary Schools Workshop Programme and have the opportunity to perform in bands or create their own music using BandLab, Logic Pro X or GarageBand.
Over the past 3 years alone, The Rhythm Studio Foundation has worked with 12 local primary schools and allowed over 1,500 pupils to complete their 10-week music programme. Furthermore, half of the schools that they work with are located in the 20 most deprived wards in London, where at least 30% of children aged 0 to 15 are living in income-deprived families
In May 2024, Ed Sheeran and his team visited The Rhythm Studio Foundation to meet with students and educators, further strengthening the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Ed Sheeran spent time engaging with the pupils from the programme 1-on-1, watched band performances, and listened to music production projects created by the students.
Chris Hodges, Founder & Trustee at The Rhythm Studio Foundation:
“We are incredibly proud that the Ed Sheeran Foundation has recognised the significance of The Rhythm Studio Foundation’s work and committed to supporting our Primary Schools Workshop programme. Ed’s visit to the studio last year was an inspiring moment for everyone involved, and we’re excited to collaborate to expand our impact on children in the local community.”
The Ed Sheeran Foundation’s ongoing support of The Rhythm Studio and Sound Connections reflects a broader mission to democratise access to music education and empower young people to pursue creative careers. By funding programmes that prioritise inclusivity and hands-on experience, the Foundation is not only inspiring individual students but also contributing to a more diverse and vibrant future for the music industry. As these initiatives continue to grow, the impact of this work will resonate far beyond West London, proving that with the right opportunities, the next generation of musical talent can thrive.
