Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason announced as new patron of Music Masters

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The UK-based education charity Music Masters has announced Sheku Kanneh-Mason MBE as its newest patron. Now in its 16^th year, the charity aims to empower youths through music, especially students from underrepresented backgrounds, offering long-term instrumental learning opportunities and teacher training.

Kanneh-Mason has been involved with Music Masters since 2016 as an ambassador and advocate, and in his new role will campaign for greater accessibility to music in schools, promote high-standards of playing and teaching through performances and masterclasses, and work on further projects to improve diversity and equitable access to opportunities.

‘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,’ said Roz De Vile, the CEO of Music Masters. ‘Sheku is already an amazing role model, and he has been very generous in sharing his time with our students and promoting our work.’

Despite his busy schedule as one of today’s most prominent cellists, 24-year-old Kanneh-Mason has been steadfast in his dedication to improving music education.

‘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,’ said Kanneh-Mason. ‘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.’

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