About

About Richard Littler

Background

My relationship with music began as a child, when my dad showed me how to put records on a 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 began DJing at student bars and clubs. My first gig was in March 1994, and I’ve remained active in music ever since.

In 2000 I joined Swag Records in Croydon, working on the shop floor before moving into digital cataloguing and release copy for the online store. I later worked as a sound engineer across South London venues.

Around 2010, teaching moved from idea to vocation. After delivering a one-off vinyl workshop for a group of 15-year-olds in a local secondary school, I saw first-hand how powerful DJing and music technology could be for young people who struggled to connect with traditional music education.

That session led to agency work across state schools, SEND settings and care environments — and to formal training as a music educator.

In 2011 I founded Grooveschool, initially delivering DJ and music production sessions through the Music4Children charity. Grooveschool later became a CIO, and alongside this work I continue to operate freelance through RL Music Education.

Why I Do This Work

In 2007 I experienced a significant personal loss. It was a difficult period, but it sharpened something very simple: life is short.

I wanted to finish each day feeling I had done something meaningful. Music education became a way to turn experience into purpose.

The music itself is important — but the deeper work is about confidence, identity and possibility.

Over the years this work has:

  • Re-engaged learners who had nearly disengaged from education

  • Helped organisations modernise and widen access to music provision

  • Supported individuals in finding voice, direction and belief in their own potential

I continue to do this work because it changes trajectories.
Sometimes, it changes lives.

How I Work

Every new learner or project begins with a conversation.

An initial assessment — informal but structured — establishes trust and clarifies goals. From there, we design a pathway that is realistic, challenging and achievable.

Sessions combine:

  • Coaching and experimentation

  • Clear progression steps

  • Immediate creative feedback

  • Structured reflection

Modern music technology offers rapid, tangible outcomes. Hearing yourself mix two tracks successfully or complete your first beat creates immediate momentum.

Work is captured, reviewed and refined. Progress is visible.

The environment remains supportive and calm, but expectations are clear. Learners are encouraged to explore — while always understanding what they are working towards.

What I Provide

Through RL Music Education and Grooveschool, I deliver:

  • DJ Skills — vinyl, CDJs, controllers and software

  • Music Production — beat-making, arrangement, sound design and track completion

  • Live Performance & Events — showcases and performance pathways

  • Podcasting — planning, recording, editing and publishing

  • Music Mentoring & Re-engagement — structured coaching for young people and adults

Delivery formats include:

  • 1-to-1 sessions

  • Paired and small-group work

  • Whole-class programmes

  • Project-based and commissioned provision

Across:

  • Schools and colleges (mainstream, SEND and alternative provision)

  • Community organisations and charities

  • International projects (including Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Nepal)

  • Private students and creative professionals

Selected Highlights

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

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

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

  • Supporting learners who have progressed to Radio 1 recognition, MOBO awards and Beatport chart success

Alongside these high-profile outcomes are countless quieter successes — young people finding their confidence, voice and direction through music.

Get in Touch

If you would like to explore how DJing, music production or mentoring could support your learners, organisation or personal journey:

📧 richie@grooveschool.org
🔗 LinkedIn: Richard Littler

Any questions?

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