Ed Sheeran's surprise visit 'encourages students'

Students who met Ed Sheeran during a surprise visit to their school, say the star is encouraging them to take the next step in their music careers.

Sheeran made a second visit this year to Coventry Alternative Provision Academy where students are benefitting from the support of his music education foundation.

His visit - ahead of his CBS Arena show on Friday - also saw the launch of two new music projects through his Ed Sheeran Foundation (ESF) in partnership with Coventry Music - part of Coventry City Council, and St Giles Trust.

The schemes, Access to Music Industry and Your Voice, are to ensure young people are provided with the relevant tools to pursue pathways in music, said the council.

Jamie, who is known by his artist name Jam, previously met Sheeran when he visited in January as part of the launch of his foundation.

"I gave him a hug and said, 'Nice to see you again', it was good to have Ed here because he can open up opportunities and different pathways if you do want to go into music," Jam said.

Louis, who is also known by his artist name Hayz, met Sheeran for the first time and was among students who performed for the singer-songwriter.

"He was sat there listening to our music, seeing some of our talent," he said.

"It's a great opportunity, especially for someone like me - I like to make music, I've been doing it for years.

"He took time out of his day to come and see us and appreciate our music."

Jam, who also performed, added: "We showed him a bit of our music and he was happy with it, he said we've got a lot of chances."

Hayz said for people like him, who could not attend mainstream schools, "the stereotype isn't amazing", but added that there was "hidden talent everywhere" and Sheeran had noticed that.

"Places like this, [Coventry Academy], there's quite a lot of kids of with autism or ADHD, who need to channel their energy into other things and music is one of the best things for it."

The student said music had helped him to "get his head straight and calm".

"It's a great place to be and I think he [Sheeran] could see that," he added.

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