Music Masters announce Sheku Kanneh-Mason MBE as their new Patron

Sheku Kanneh-Mason has been an advocate and Ambassador for the award-winning education charity Music Masters since 2016, and he has a long-standing ambition to make music accessible to all. He is of course in great demand from major orchestras and concert halls worldwide, but his dedication to building up music education is a clear priority. Sheku has without question already been intrinsic to the success of Music Masters’ aims; now as Patron he will not only help to raise the profile of the charity, he will also help to promote key initiatives that improve access to music in schools, the quality of teaching (for example through the exclusive Musicians of Change teacher training programme) and projects that are aimed at working with the sector to improve access to opportunity and diversity. This is a new role for Music Masters, created for Sheku following celebrations of the 15th anniversary of the charity last year.

Music Masters’ aim is to empower young people through music, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by way of schools and teaching programmes, a subject that is close to Sheku’s heart. Not only because of his own experience, but because he strongly believes that music provision in many state schools continues to let children down, at a time when musical skill can open doors to opportunity that may otherwise remain locked. And at a time when evidence is building of the benefits of music-learning on health and cognitive ability in later life. Music Masters is unique in its focus on delivering long-term instrumental learning opportunities for state school pupils, alongside developing the workforce and influencing a more open music sector to ensure equitable opportunities for young musicians. Sheku’s role will make a significant contribution to the organisation’s visibility and growth, not only through performances and masterclasses, but as a highly respected and inspirational individual whose musical journey and aspirations chime with many.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason said: I have been delighted to work with Music Masters as an Ambassador and am now excited to be associated even more closely with them via this new role. I’ve always been inspired by the wonderful work they do and loved going into schools and witnessing first-hand the children’s remarkable response to music. It can sometimes be difficult for young people to develop confidence in their creative potential and their access to music-making can play an important role in giving a child not only a sense of wellbeing, but purpose, and a new perspective on what they might achieve in anything. Music education is so important and just because it might seem special doesn’t mean it’s not essential! I’m so happy to be part of an organisation whose aim is to create an inclusive and diverse music sector.

Roz De Vile, CEO of Music Masters said: At Music Masters we see just how an inspiring, inclusive music education can significantly improve children’s lives and life chances. The input of artists and music organisations – both amateur and professional – to our work, especially with schools, is incredibly valuable. Sheku is already an amazing role model and he has been very generous in sharing his time with our students and on promoting our work. We are so lucky that Sheku has accepted the role of Patron, the need is growing and his support will make an even greater difference to our success in the future.

About Sheku Kanneh-Mason: Sheku is one of the most in-demand cellists and enjoys a stellar career performing in the world’s most illustrious halls and with the greatest international orchestras. In summer 2024 he holds the coveted role of Artiste Étoile at the prestigious Lucerne International Festival and he is Artist in Residence at the Konzerthaus Hall, Berlin in 24/25. Sheku is a graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music where he studied with Hannah Roberts and in May 2022 was appointed as the Academy’s first Menuhin Visiting Professor of Performance Mentoring. He holds role of ambassador for both the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and for Future Talent.

A Decca Classics recording artist, his 2022 album, Song, showcases his innately lyrical playing in a wide and varied range of arrangements and collaborations. Sheku’s 2020 album Elgar reached No. 8 in the overall Official UK Album Chart, making him the first ever cellist to reach the UK Top 10. Sheet music collections of his performance repertoire along with his own arrangements and compositions are published by Faber.

Find out more about Music Masters at www.musicmasters.org.uk