Universal Music Group has announced the launch of Sound Generation, its new music education initiative designed to expand access to music education for young people around the world.
The programme will debut via a UK pilot before rolling out internationally later this year. It will provide free digital resources to support teachers and students through creativity, collaboration and curriculum-based activity, and aims to address declining participation in music education, particularly among younger students and schools with limited resources.
Built in collaboration with Camden Music Service, part of Camden Learning, a school-led partnership between borough schools and the local authority, the initiative draws directly on the success of Feversham Primary Academy in Bradford. Feversham was placed among the global top 10 in the World’s Best School Prizes in 2023 for its music-led curriculum.
UMG says Sound Generation comprises ten curated activities for Key Stage One students, inspired by Feversham’s approach, which the school leadership says helped drive “significantly improved SATS results at the end of Key Stage Two”.
“Music ignites the spark of true learning, tapping into something deeper than the everyday. The power of music improves maths, English, behaviour and attitudes to learning.”
Jimmy Rotheram, Feversham Primary Academy
Jimmy Rotheram, Music Lead & Naveed Idrees OBE, Headteacher, Feversham Primary Academy, said: “Music ignites the spark of true learning, tapping into something deeper than the everyday. The power of music improves maths, English, behaviour and attitudes to learning. At Feversham, we have harnessed this force of human nature to bring happiness and academic success for everyone. This means daily musical development, a strong curriculum, highly trained staff and parity with numeracy and literacy. The arts are the bedrock of academic success across all subjects, and provide the beating heart of our school.”
“We’re delighted to be working with UMG UK on a project that puts children’s creativity at the heart of learning.”
Gareth Gay, Camden Learning
Developed to deliver the diverse range of skills needed across music creation, the set of digital resources was designed to be easily integrated into primary school lessons, whether delivered by a music teacher with extensive experience or someone at the start of their career. These resources have been created by music teachers, for all teachers, ensuring they are practical, engaging, and grounded in classroom experience.
Gareth Gay, Head of Camden Music Service, Camden Learning, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Universal Music Group UK on a project that puts children’s creativity at the heart of learning. Camden has a long history of innovative, forward-thinking music education, and Sound Generation builds on that spirit by giving teachers fresh ideas, shared expertise, and the confidence to deliver exciting music lessons. Most importantly, it will help more children experience the joy and benefits of a high-quality music education, wherever they are on their musical journey.”
This announcement follows UMG UK’s partnerships with The Reading Agency, and Roundhouse, and marks the next iteration of its work to further music education in the UK.
Commenting on the launch, Sharlotte Ritchie, Senior Director, Global Impact & Communications at UMG, said the company wants to “address this challenge globally” and ensure more children access the developmental benefits of music.
“The benefits of high-quality music education span learning, development, and wellbeing and we want as many young people across the UK – and the world – to have access to this as possible.”
Sharlotte Ritchie, UMG
“We believe all young people should have access to high quality music education – but too often we hear this is not the case. Sound Generation is designed to address this challenge globally. The benefits of high-quality music education span learning, development, and wellbeing and we want as many young people across the UK – and the world – to have access to this as possible. By partnering with the experts at Camden Music Service, and taking inspiration from Feversham Primary Academy, this pilot programme marks our first step in making this a reality.”
“It’s fantastic that Camden is helping to launch the Sound Generation pilot. Our borough has a long and proud history with music, and we know how powerfully it can shape children’s lives.”, added Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families. “This programme gives our teachers new, joyful ways to bring music into the classroom – opening up opportunities for every child to discover their talents, build confidence and develop a love of learning that stays with them. I’m proud that Camden is playing a role in shaping a programme that will soon reach schools across the UK, and I’m excited to see how our pupils grow and thrive.”
The launch comes amid ongoing debate around the future of music education in the UK. In March 2025, Ed Sheeran wrote to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and UK government officials calling for immediate, long-term funding for UK music education.
UMG expects to release further detail on national and international expansion in the next months.Music Business Worldwide