Reaction from UK Music to Ed Sheeran letter
23 March 2025 - Press releaseUK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said:
"The alarm bells are ringing and there is a crisis in music education. Over the years there have been real term cuts in funding, budgetary shortfalls, fewer music teachers and declining participation in GCSE and A-Level Music which have created a perfect storm.
"Since its election last summer, the government has made positive noises to reverse music education's decline. But it is now time to turn these warm words into action.
"The recent interim report on the curriculum review and announcement of plans for a National Centre for Arts and Music Education, indicates further change could be coming and it's vital that the government works with music industry to ensure these have a positive impact and benefit those that need it most - the schools, brilliant educators and talent young people that offer so much.
"If, however, these warning signs are ignored we risk losing the next generation of talent, with all of us then missing out.
"UK Music has signed and supports this letter. It is fantastic to see Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Sir Elton John and many others add their weight as to why action is needed now."
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