Critically acclaimed musician and songwriter Jamie Cullum led the world’s first 5G music lesson from his piano at the two-thousand-year-old Roman Amphitheatre in the City of London a few nights ago. He played live with amateur musicians in Bristol and Birmingham using 5G technology from EE, King’s College London, Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol and Digital Catapult.
The event, run by Music for All, demonstrates how technology can remove barriers to learning. The advent of 5G technology will ultimately deliver super low-latency (i.e. low delay) connectivity everywhere, enabling an Internet of Skills where skills can be shared with others wherever they may live, work and play.
They are bringing together music teachers and aspiring musicians from all over. Research shows that making music: helps people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to keep smarter, younger, healthier and more sociable.
An ambassador of the charity Music for All, Cullum taught musicians across the three different venues in a unique multi-site lesson, connecting the three cities across the UK, as if the musicians were playing in the same room. The locations included City of London Corporation’s Amphitheatre, Birmingham City University – Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and We The Curious in Bristol.
Commenting on this project, Jamie Cullum, said: “I’m delighted to be part of this ground-breaking event. I believe that the future of music can evolve hugely by adopting the latest technologies, like 5G.
“Having the privilege to perform with others via the power of 5G can open up new opportunities for artists, enabling them to practise and perform together remotely and communicate at a level that we never thought possible.”
And Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chair at the City of London Corporation, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Music for All, Kings College London and all the partners involved to deliver this landmark event outlining the true capability of 5G. It showcases how this technology can help to share skills wherever a person may live, work and play.
“5G coverage is already available within the Square Mile and the City Corporation is working with mobile operators to ensure a timely roll out, which is expected to support future smart city applications and several other uses including tourism.”
