Did Sam Ryder's Teacher Just Reveal a Dream Cameo?

A guitar teacher, Kelvin Pratt, has described performing at Wembley Arena with his former student, pop star Sam Ryder, as a "dream come true." The duo took the stage together on 6 November 2023, thrilling thousands of fans as they played Ryder's song "Go Steady." Pratt, who taught Ryder when he was just 13, expressed his exhilaration at sharing such a significant moment with the now-famous artist.

Last updated: 06 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The performance at Wembley Arena marked a significant milestone for both Ryder and Pratt. For Pratt, it was an opportunity to reconnect with a former student who has risen to fame, especially after Ryder gained recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic with his viral TikTok singing videos. Ryder's career has soared since then, culminating in his representation of the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, where he finished in second place.

Key takeaways

Kelvin Pratt performed with his former student Sam Ryder at Wembley Arena.
Ryder's rise to fame began during the COVID-19 pandemic through social media.
Pratt taught Ryder guitar when he was around 13 years old.

Timeline: how we got here

Key milestones leading to this performance include:

2000s: Kelvin Pratt teaches Sam Ryder guitar in Heybridge, Essex.
2020: Ryder gains popularity through TikTok during lockdown.
2022: Represents the UK at Eurovision, coming second.
2023: Ryder invites Pratt to perform with him at Wembley Arena on 6 November.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The main highlight this week is Kelvin Pratt's performance at Wembley Arena with Sam Ryder, which marks a significant reunion after over two decades. This event not only celebrated Ryder's achievements but also highlighted the enduring relationship between teacher and student.

What was already established

Prior to this performance, Ryder had already established himself as a prominent figure in UK music, particularly noted for his catchy pop songs and engaging social media presence. Pratt's background as a music teacher and performer has been well-documented, showcasing his dedication to teaching and the impact he has had on his students.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This event resonates with UK audiences, especially fans of Ryder, who appreciate personal stories of talent and mentorship. It reinforces the cultural significance of music and the connections formed within the industry, inspiring young musicians across the nation.

Businesses and jobs

For music-related businesses, performances like this could spur interest in live events and music education. The collaboration between Ryder and Pratt may also encourage other artists to reconnect with their roots and mentors, stimulating local music scenes and potentially leading to new opportunities for teachers and performers alike.

Policy and regulation

The music industry continues to evolve, and events like this highlight the importance of supporting live performances and music education. As the UK government considers policies regarding arts funding and support for musicians, the story of Ryder and Pratt could serve as a compelling example of the value of mentorship in the arts.

Numbers that matter

22 years: The gap since Pratt last spoke to Ryder before receiving the performance invitation.
36 years: Sam Ryder's age, reflecting his journey from a young guitar student to a pop star.
66 years: Kelvin Pratt's age, showcasing his extensive experience in music and teaching.
2nd place: Ryder's achievement at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Definitions and jargon buster

Eurovision: An annual international song competition held among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union.
TikTok: A social media platform for creating, sharing, and discovering short music videos.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect to see increased media coverage of Sam Ryder and his upcoming projects, including potential tours and collaborations as a result of the Wembley performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Ryder's success may inspire a new wave of interest in music education, potentially leading to more students enrolling in guitar and other music classes, as well as increased demand for live performances.

Signals to watch

Ryder's album sales and streaming numbers following the performance.
Any announcements regarding tours or new music releases.
The engagement levels on social media platforms post-performance.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage young musicians to seek mentorship from experienced teachers.
Attend local live music events to support artists in your community.
Engage with music education resources to improve your skills.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of social media on music careers.
Ignore the importance of networking within the music industry.
Neglect to celebrate local musicians and their achievements.

Checklist

Identify a local music teacher or mentor.
Set personal music goals (learning a new song, improving technique).
Follow emerging artists on social media for inspiration.
Attend at least one live music event in the next month.
Share your music journey with friends or online communities.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the performance at Wembley represents a significant success for both Ryder and Pratt, the music industry is inherently unpredictable. Factors such as changing consumer preferences and market competition could impact Ryder's future success. Additionally, the long-term effects of mentoring relationships on students' careers can vary widely, and not every student will achieve similar recognition.

Bottom line

Kelvin Pratt's performance with Sam Ryder at Wembley Arena highlights the powerful connections that can form through music education. This event not only celebrates Ryder's achievements but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians in the UK. The story underscores the importance of mentorship and community support in the arts, suggesting that more such collaborations could emerge in the future.

FAQs

Who is Sam Ryder?

Sam Ryder is a British singer-songwriter who gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic through his viral TikTok videos. He represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022.

What did Kelvin Pratt do during his performance with Sam Ryder?

Kelvin Pratt played a guitar solo during Ryder's song "Go Steady" at Wembley Arena, celebrating their long-standing teacher-student relationship.

How did Sam Ryder rise to fame?

Ryder rose to fame through his engaging TikTok videos during lockdown, which showcased his singing talent and led to further opportunities in the music industry.