YOUNG musicians in Muirhouse, Edinburgh, were given a surprise last week when Ed Sheeran paid a visit.
The musician visited the Tinderbox Collective on Friday to launch The Ed Sheeran Foundation, which aims to support and develop young talent and make music accessible to all.
Muirhouse Library was the first of Scotland’s “We Make Music Instrument Libraries” – an initiative to get musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like taking out a book.
Tinderbox Collective established the initiative with Scotland’s Music Education Partnership Group and has since expanded to over 30 libraries in 12 local authorities across Scotland.
Ed said about the foundation: “Music education has shaped who I am. I’ve always enjoyed playing music, and it’s led to some of the best moments of my life.”
“It is so important to have brilliant music education both in and out of school.
“It’s great to hear that music tuition is now free in all schools in Scotland, but it is not reaching everyone.
“We need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.”
Tinderbox Collective is a local charity that offers a space for young musicians who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.
In Scotland, a successful campaign to make instrumental tuition in schools free across the country was adopted by all parties in the last Scottish elections.
Research from What’s Going on Now, a report on youth music in Scotland, has shown that if the service were expanded, over 100,000 more young people would take up opportunities to learn music.
Jack Nissan, sirector of Tinderbox Collective, said: “Ed’s visit was so inspiring for all the young musicians in Tinderbox, and it’s fantastic to have him advocate for music education and help build links with the wider music industry.
“We need to work together across schools, the community and the industry to fill music education with as much energy, diversity and creativity as possible and to make sure that it is accessible, relevant and inspiring for everyone.”
Ed made the visit memorable for those who were in attendance.
Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said: “We were absolutely shocked. I’ve always admired Ed Sheeran and the way he sings and his music. I want to do music, and now I feel even more motivated.”
Councillor Joan Griffiths, education, children and families convenor at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We are committed to nurturing and encouraging local music talent in our city.
“In Edinburgh, around 5,000 pupils currently receive free instrumental music tuition, with over 19,000 receiving free whole-class music through the Youth Music Initiative.
“There is always more that can be done to make learning an instrument and access to music education more inclusive.
“Programmes run by Tinderbox Collective open up musical opportunities for youngsters who may not otherwise have had the chance, bringing young people and the wider community together.
“It’s fantastic to see Ed’s commitment to using his platform to champion accessibility to music and I have no doubt that he will have inspired all those he has met in Edinburgh.”
The ambition to spread this as widely as possible across the country continues, and other libraries or library services interested in joining this programme and offering instruments as part of their service should get in touch.
