Grooveschool
Sheriff's Story – A Decade of Creative Progression
From discovering DJing to performing, mentoring and supporting others through music.
The Beginning
Sheriff (SV) first came to Grooveschool in 2016, introduced through his teacher at Highshore School in Lambeth.
He had experienced challenges with communication and disruption to his education, but had a strong interest in DJing and music technology.
He quickly became a regular at our after-school sessions in Streatham.
Curious about how things worked, Sheriff would ask questions about equipment, explore the technology and often arrive early to help set things up.
It was clear that his interest extended beyond simply learning to DJ. He wanted to understand the equipment, contribute to what was happening and be part of the creative environment.
Finding Confidence
During a summer project in 2017–18, Grooveschool explored photography, filming and interviewing people, inspired by Humans of New York.
Sheriff became involved in setting up cameras and interviewing people about their relationship with music.
He was given responsibility for an activity that genuinely interested him, with opportunities to develop both technical and communication skills.
Within a couple of weeks, we began noticing him initiating conversations himself.
This was an important moment in his development.
Rather than communication being taught as a separate exercise, it was developing naturally through participation, shared interests and responsibility.
The experience demonstrated something that has remained central to Grooveschool’s approach: when young people are trusted to contribute to meaningful creative activity, opportunities for personal development can emerge alongside practical skills.
Developing As A DJ
Over the following years, Sheriff continued developing his musical knowledge, technical ability and confidence through regular sessions and creative mentoring.
He developed his own identity as a DJ, progressing from supported practice to independent sets and public performances.
His performances have included:
– Royal Albert Hall
– Southbank Centre
– Lambeth Country Show
– Community events and fundraisers
– Grooveschool performances and creative productions
One particularly memorable moment was his Saturday evening performance at Lambeth Country Show, where he delivered an outstanding set to the crowd.
These opportunities helped Sheriff develop experience of preparing for performances, working with equipment, responding to audiences and taking responsibility for his creative work.
From Participant to Contributor
But Sheriff’s journey has always been about more than DJing.
Over the years, he has become an important part of the Grooveschool team, supporting workshops, helping younger participants and taking responsibility for equipment and studio setups.
His experience has developed across different aspects of creative activity, from DJing and music technology to assisting with sessions and supporting others.
This progression reflects an important part of the Grooveschool approach.
As participants develop their skills and confidence, they can begin contributing to the wider creative community, sharing knowledge, supporting peers and taking on greater responsibility.
For Sheriff, this has been a gradual process built through consistent involvement, relationships and opportunities to participate in real activity.
In Sheriff's Own Words
"Grooveschool, as well as Richie, have helped me learn and develop the skills and confidence to help teach. As part of a team, it also helps by providing workshops for people with different backgrounds and people with autism."
— Sheriff (SV)
A Continuing Journey
Sheriff’s progression hasn’t followed a straight line, and there have been challenges along the way.
Nearly ten years after first joining Grooveschool, he remains an integral part of our creative community.
He continues to develop as a DJ, share his skills, support other participants and contribute to the organisation’s work.
His journey illustrates the value of sustained creative mentoring — not simply providing a short-term opportunity, but creating an environment where someone can keep returning, developing relationships, building confidence and taking on new responsibilities over time.
It also demonstrates that progression doesn’t always have a single destination.
For Sheriff, it has involved creative achievement, communication, independence, public performance, teamwork and supporting others.
What began as an interest in DJing has become a lasting relationship with music, creativity and community.
What Sheriffs Story Shows
Sheriff’s experience reflects several important principles of Grooveschool’s Creative Progression Model:
– Starting with a young person’s interests and strengths
– Building trust through consistent relationships
– Learning through practical creative activity
– Developing communication and confidence through meaningful participation
– Creating opportunities to contribute and take responsibility
– Supporting progression over time rather than expecting immediate outcomes
His story is a reminder of what can happen when young people have opportunities to keep coming back, build relationships and discover what they’re capable of.