FE News | Global superstar Ed Sheeran performs with music students during a surprise visit to Sheffield College

Songwriter Ed Sheeran performed with music students during a surprise visit to Sheffield College in South Yorkshire.

The global superstar, who is one of the world’s best-selling musicians, met students, music lecturers and senior staff at the Hillsborough campus on Livesey Street.

Ed Sheeran arrived just as 19-year-old Lol Bailey was singing Shape of You at a student skills development workshop in the college’s drama and music theatre.

The four-time Grammy Award winner also took the stage to sing “Castle on the Hill” and shared industry knowledge with students during a question-and-answer session.

Earlier in the day, he visited Red Tape Studios on Shoreham Street and spoke to young musicians completing Sheffield Music School’s songwriting course.

The surprise visit was organized in partnership with Sheffield City Council and took place on 16 May 2024.

Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, Sheffield Collegesaid: “It was fantastic to welcome Ed Sheeran to college.

“We’re used to giving students access to some fantastic industry experts as part of our new Skills Guarantee – but this is on another level!

“It’s not every day that a global singer drops by to share his talent, knowledge and expertise with students to help them move forward in their careers.”

Matthew Henley, Curriculum Manager for Music, Sheffield Collegeadded: “We’re really proud of our diverse community of students, some of whom have gone on to find success as performers, DJs, songwriters, promoters and producers.

“It was an honor to meet Ed Sheeran. The students couldn’t believe it when he entered the hall and joined the rehearsal of his song. It was an inspiring experience they will never forget.”

Ian Naylor, Head of Music Education, Sheffield City Councilsaid: “Sheffield has a rich musical heritage and is committed to developing homegrown talent and seeing our creative industries thrive.

“It was a pleasure to host Ed today and see firsthand his commitment to using his global platform to advocate for the importance of music education.

“There is real alignment with our own ambitions here in Sheffield where, despite a challenging funding environment, our commitment to a future where music is at the heart of our plans for the city is unwavering, particularly the £15m Harmony development of pounds sterling. Works project.

“Most importantly, Ed’s visit was a brilliant experience for Sheffield’s music students and showcases what our wonderful city has to offer.”

Student Lol Bailey, 19, who was singing ‘Shape of You’ when Ed Sheeran took to the stage, is completing an extended degree in music performance and production at the college.

“I was really disappointed when Ed Sheeran came on stage but he was brilliant,” said Lol, whose ambition is to make it big in the music industry.

As well as studying, Lol is in a band called Shabbah and does paid gigs in Sheffield and London, having developed his love of music during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Student Brad Lyne, 18, who is also completing an extended degree in music performance and production, had the chance to rap with Ed Sheeran.

Brad, whose name is Cheatcodez, said: “It was so cool. He’s a global superstar and an absolute legend, but he was just a normal guy who gave us some great advice. It made me think that if he can be successful, so can we.”

Music student Wisdom Ohue, 19, who performs under the name Wisdom-Wizzystar, added: I was really shocked when he came on stage. I didn’t expect it at all.”

Wisdom added, “My college experience was great. My confidence and performance skills have become much better.”

Equipped with the latest industry standard music facilities, the college has a strong reputation for training the next generation of musical talent.

A range of music qualifications are offered by the college, from diplomas to diplomas.

He also launched his own record label FiveBySeven, a nod to Sheffield’s five rivers and seven hills, to support future student talent.

The college’s Hillsborough campus has a professional recording studio, production rooms, rehearsal rooms and a range of performance spaces.

Students develop their career skills on a wide range of equipment including guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, DJ decks, microphones and PA systems.

Students also access music production software from Logic to Ableton, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

The college has launched a new Skills Guarantee to ensure its degree programs for young people enable them to be career ready.

The guarantee outlines the support that students aged 16 to 19 completing full-time study programs can expect when they enroll in education and training.

In the picture: Ed Sheeran performs ‘Shape of You’ with music student Lol Bailey, 19, during a visit to Sheffield College.