Grooveschool
about us
Grooveschool is a South London charity using creativity, mentoring and real-world experience to support confidence, connection and progression.
Since 2011, we have created opportunities for people to learn, participate and develop through music, media and technology.
Grooveschool
About Grooveschool
About Grooveschool
Grooveschool began in 2011 with a simple idea: give people access to music, equipment and creative spaces, and create an environment where they feel able to take part.
Over time, that practice has developed into a broader approach to creative mentoring. Today we work across DJing, music production, podcasting, recording, photography, film and digital media, using creativity as a way to build confidence, develop skills and create meaningful opportunities for progression.
Our work takes place in studios, schools and community settings across South London. Some people join us for a particular project; others remain connected for years, progressing from participant to volunteer, work experience, internship, facilitator or creative leader.
What connects the work is the belief that people develop when they are trusted, included and given meaningful opportunities to contribute.
Grooveschool
Mission & Values
Our Mission
Grooveschool advances education and promotes social inclusion through accessible creative learning, mentoring and participation.
We create opportunities for people — particularly those facing barriers to education, employment, wellbeing or creative opportunity — to develop skills, confidence, relationships and pathways forward through music, media and technology.
Our aim is not simply to teach creative skills. It is to create environments in which people can participate, grow, take responsibility and discover what they might do next.
Our Values
Creativity
We value imagination, experimentation and self-expression. Creative practice gives people new ways to communicate, explore ideas and discover what they are capable of.
Inclusion
Everyone should be able to participate meaningfully. We create accessible, neurodivergent-friendly environments that respond to different ways of learning, communicating and engaging.
Community
Learning happens through relationships. We create spaces where people can connect, collaborate, contribute and feel that they belong.
Opportunity
Every experience should create the possibility of another. We build pathways into further creative activity, volunteering, work experience, leadership, education and employment.
Wellbeing
Creativity can support confidence, identity, connection and mental wellbeing. We create supportive environments where people can develop at their own pace.
Grooveschool
OUR APPROACH
Grooveschool’s approach has developed through more than fifteen years of creative practice, reflection and learning.
At its centre is our Creative Progression Model — an approach that recognises progression as something that develops gradually through participation, relationships, responsibility and opportunity.
People may begin by observing, experimenting or simply spending time in a creative environment. As confidence develops, they can begin contributing to projects, developing their own work, collaborating with others and taking greater responsibility.
For some, that leads to volunteering, work experience, internships, education, employment or leadership. For others, progression may mean confidence, connection, creative independence or simply choosing to continue.
There is no single route through Grooveschool. The role of creative mentoring is to help people discover their own.
Explore Our Approach →
Grooveschool
Team & trustees
Team & Trustees
Grooveschool is led by a small creative team and governed by an independent board of trustees, bringing together experience across music, education, youth engagement, community development, governance and the creative industries.
Eddie Quinlan — Chair of Trustees
Eddie brings over 30 years of experience in the record industry across DJing, labels and senior leadership at Juno Records. As Chair, he guides strategy and industry partnerships to ensure Grooveschool’s work remains impactful and sustainable.
Cheryl Vidal — Trustee
A parent of a Grooveschool participant and advocate for youth voice, Cheryl ensures families’ perspectives inform our decisions and direction.
Ana Contreras — Trustee
Ana supports Grooveschool’s digital presence and outreach, strengthening visibility and community engagement.
Richie Littler — Founder & Executive Director
Richie founded Grooveschool in 2011 and leads its creative and strategic direction. A music educator with over 15 years’ experience delivering DJ and production programmes, he oversees curriculum development, partnerships and programme delivery.
Grooveschool
Our studios
Grooveschool works from two dedicated creative spaces in South London.
Our studios are more than places containing equipment. They are working creative environments where people learn by participating, experimenting, collaborating and contributing to real projects.
Studio 3E at LJ Works, Loughborough Junction is our main DJing, music production and creative mentoring space.
The ArcHive Studio at International House, Brixton supports podcasting, recording, conversation, digital media and collaborative projects.
Together, the studios allow people to experience creative practice in professional environments while remaining welcoming, accessible and supportive places to learn.
View Studios →
Grooveschool
Governance & Transparency
Grooveschool is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), governed by an independent board of trustees.
We are committed to responsible financial management, safeguarding, inclusive practice, clear impact reporting and continuous reflection on the quality of our work.
Our Framework, policies and governance structures help ensure that Grooveschool remains ethical, accountable and sustainable as the organisation develops.
Grooveschool
What People Say
What People Say
“I just wanted to say what a difference Grooveschool has made… The transformation has been remarkable.”
— Parent