Ed Sheeran surprises young Scots musicians with visit to celebrate launch of music education foundation

Young Scottish musicians were left “absolutely shocked” after Ed Sheeran surprised them during a visit to Edinburgh.

Sheeran wowed youngsters on Friday during a visit to local music initiative Tinderbox Collective to launch his new foundation, which supports music education.

Tinderbox Collective is a local charity offering a vibrant and inclusive space for young musicians who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities.

During the singer’s secret visit to Muirhouse Library, he joined a group of young people trying out different instruments and chatted to them about his journey, offering tips to aspiring musicians.

Sheeran wowed the youngsters on Friday during a visit to the local music initiative Tinderbox Collective. Premier Scotland

Maxwell from Craigroyston High School said he and his fellow youth club-goers were left “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,” he added.

Another member of the Tinderbox Collective, Anno, said the experience was “unbelievable”.

“I really like Ed, and I listen to his music. Just to see him right now is amazing. Crazy. Inspiring,” they said.

Sheeran also joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from Forthview Primary School, Craigroyston Primary School, Pirniehall Primary School, St David’s RC Primary School and Craigroyston High School, and performed his hit single Bad Habits with young rappers, singers and musicians from Tinderbox’s wider music programme.

Sheeran also joined a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre made up of pupils from across Scotland. Premier Scotland

Rhian from Craigroyston High School said: “Singing with him is something we’ll always remember.”

“He came in, and we all started screaming, and there were happy tears,” added Lily from Pirniehall Primary School.

The visit to Edinburgh marked the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation, an initiative designed to support youth music education across the UK through grant-making, raising awareness, and fostering collaborations.

Speaking about the foundation, Sheeran said: “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.”

As one of the first organisations across the UK to benefit, the foundation will support Tinderbox’s Live in Libraries tour to help kickstart Instrument Libraries around the UK.

Sheeran added: “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 and we need to do everything we can to make sure it is accessible and inspiring for all children and young people.”

Jack Nissan, director 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.”