Thinking Out Loud about music education: Community backs Ed Sheeran’s campaign

Community and fellow trade unions in the Music Matters Coalition – which represents music educators, performers, and industry professionals across Suffolk – are supporting pop megastar Ed Sheeran’s call for greater investment in music education and fair treatment of music professionals in the county and beyond.

Framlingham-raised Sheeran has made the call in a letter to the Prime Minister, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by musicians, music educators and students as a result funding cuts, reduced opportunities for young people to access music education, and the undervaluing of those who dedicate their careers to music. You can read more about Ed Sheeran’s letter, which has also been signed by the likes of Elton John, Harry Styles and Annie Lennox, in Rolling Stone here.

Gareth Cox, Branch Secretary for Suffolk Schools at Community , the union for education and early years professionals, said:

“The creative industries are one of the fastest growing areas of the UK economy, yet in schools they have been subject to years of cuts in both funding and curriculum time. Community supports the work of the Music Matters Coalition to support the delivery of strong music and creative education in Suffolk and elsewhere.”

The Music Matters Coalition – which brings together Community, UNISON, NAHT, NASUWT, Unite, NEU, and the Musicians’ Union – is committed to fighting for sustainable funding for the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, proper recognition of music educators, and a thriving future for music in schools and communities. We urge policymakers and decision-makers to listen to the voices of musicians, teachers, and industry professionals and take meaningful action to safeguard the future of music education.