About

About Richard Littler

Who I Am

My relationship with music began as a child, when my dad showed me how to put records on the turntable.

Originally from the north-west of England, I moved to London in the early 1990s to study Culture and Belief Systems at the University of Greenwich. In 1993 I bought a pair of Technics 1210s, taught myself to mix vinyl and started DJing at student bars and clubs. My first gig was in March 1994, and I’ve been behind the decks ever since.

In 2000 I joined Swag Records in Croydon, working on the shop floor and later digitising vinyl snippets and writing copy for the online store. A spell of sound engineering followed, working with bands across South London venues.

Teaching came into focus around 2010. After running a one-off vinyl workshop for ten 15-year-old boys at a local secondary school, I realised just how powerful DJing and music technology could be for young people. That led me to agency work delivering workshops around the M25 in state schools, SEND settings and care facilities – and to training formally as a music educator.

In 2011 I set up Grooveschool, delivering DJ and music-production sessions for the Music4Children charity. Since then, I’ve continued to run Grooveschool as a CIO, as well as working freelance through RL Music Education.

Why I Do This Work

In 2007 I experienced a significant personal loss. It was a harrowing time, but it gave me a simple mantra: life is too short.

I wanted to get to the end of each day feeling I’d done something that mattered – that I’d earned it. I’d considered teaching “one day”, but grief accelerated that decision. Music education became a way to turn pain into purpose.

I never expected to be teaching music for a living, yet here I am. I do this because I care deeply about the people and communities I work with. The music activity is almost secondary: it’s a tool for self-realisation, for understanding, for seeing yourself differently.

This work has:

  • Opened up paths of learning for individuals who had almost given up on education

  • Helped organisations provide accessible, modern music education

  • Given me a meaningful way to pass on a love of music and life – and, in many ways, supported my own ongoing healing

The reason I still do it is simple:

It changes lives. Sometimes, it helps save them.

How I Work

Every new learner or project starts with a conversation.

  • We begin with an initial assessment – informal, relational, and focused on trust.

  • Together, we identify a path of learning that feels realistic and exciting.

  • Sessions mix coaching and play – learners experiment, make mistakes and quickly hear progress in their own mixes or tracks.

  • I aim for at least one key takeaway every session and look for those “penny-dropping” moments where something really lands.

I use modern technology – DJ decks, controllers, laptops, Logic, Ableton, Maschine, Reason – because it offers instant feedback. Hearing yourself mix two tracks for the first time, or building your first beat, is a powerful confidence boost.

From there we:

  • Record, perform or capture work in progress

  • Listen back together

  • Analyse what’s working and what could be improved

  • Plan the next steps and slowly raise the bar

The environment is supportive, structured and relaxed. Learners are encouraged to explore, but they always know what they’re working towards.

What I Provide

Through RL Music Education and Grooveschool I offer:

  • DJ Skills – vinyl, CDJs, controllers and software

  • Music Production – beat-making, arrangement, sound design and finishing tracks

  • Live Performance & Events – sets, showcases and end-of-project performances

  • Podcasting – planning, recording, editing and publishing

  • Music Mentoring & Re-engagement – personalised coaching for young people and adults

I work 1-to-1, with pairs, small groups and larger classes, across:

  • Schools and colleges (including SEND and AP)

  • Community organisations and charities

  • International projects (e.g. Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Nepal)

  • Private students and professionals

A Few Highlights

  • Pioneering DJ workshops for SEND learners through Sound Connections (2013)

  • World’s first DJ sessions for deaf adults with the Deaf Rave charity (from 2022)

  • Setting up music centres and DJ programmes for Last Night a DJ Saved My Life Foundation in Tanzania and Sierra Leone

  • Supporting students who’ve gone on to become Radio 1 breakthrough artists, MOBO winners and Beatport number-one producers

  • Countless young people with additional needs finding their place, voice and confidence through music

Want to Talk?

If you’d like to explore how DJing, music production or podcasting could support your learners, organisation or your own journey, I’d be happy to chat.

📧 Email: richie@grooveschool.org
🔗 LinkedIn: RL Music Education / Richard Littler

Any questions?

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