Sheeran started writing songs from a young age, after encouragement from a teacher, and says he wants to help plug the gap left by reduced arts funding. To support the launch of the foundation, the Grammy-winner is visiting schools and youth groups in Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Ed Sheeran launches the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which will provide access and funding to music education, instruments, programs, and more for children.

The singer said in a video that he launched the fund after hearing about the poor state of music education in England from one of his former teachers.

Ed Sheeran, a longtime proponent of music education, has announced the launch of The Ed Sheeran Foundation in support of children’s access to instruments, studio time, and instructors to properly help young artists navigate the music industry.