Robin Henderson
After studying for three years at the Academy of Contemporary Music, Robin graduated with a distinction. Thereafter he become the most popular music tutor in Epsom and Ewell, specializing in foundation, intermediate guitar and music theory and founded Realistic Rock Academy with his brother Richard in April 2004.
Previously with his own band, Robin has toured the UK, Europe and the U.S. completing over 250 shows in three years, including ‘Wembley’ and ‘Whisky a go go’ L.A. In the studio he has recorded and produced songs with the likes of platinum producer Nick Tauber (Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy) and Mushroom-Infectious records (Ash, Garbage).
Since starting Realistic Rock Academy, Robin has written many music performance courses ranging from ‘Beginners to Band Members’ through to advanced level ‘Realistic Record Deal’ tutoring over 100 workshops a year. Robin has also worked alongside Surrey Youth Development Service to write and deliver contemporary music tuition and production courses.
As a result of his accomplishments he has written and recorded tutorial articles for Total Guitar Magazine, and is the current, long standing guitar tuition guru in Play Music Magazine.
Together with brother Richard, Robin has managed and been the musical director for several young bands with multiple acclaims and awards including, The Flaming Monkeys – winners of XFM Rock School 2005, best live unsigned act – Vodafone Live Music Awards 2007 and best unsigned band – The Kerradamy Awards 2008. Also Black and White – winners of XFM Rock School 2007 and The Theory of 6 Degrees, runners up of Live and Unsigned 2009, winners of Yamaha Band for a Grand 2009 and the youngest band ever to play Glastonbury 2010.
Most recently Robin is the MD for all girl grunge group ‘Babyfaced Assassins’ winners of best Indie band, Playmusic magazine 2011.
Richard Henderson
Despite years of playing experience, Richard is still a highly proactive drummer and his lessons incorporate all the latest ideas from renowned bands and drummers from all over the world.
From Blink 182 to Blondie, from Thomas Lang to Virgil Donati, Richard’s teaching blends popular drumming with cutting edge drum theory and makes it accessible to all his students.
To cater for the educational needs of the live musician, Richard has written and delivered numerous courses for adults and young people including, Beginners to Band Members, Live Performance Workshop, Band Academy and Demo, Get in a Band and Play, Band Development and Production and Remastered.
Richard works closely with, Epsom Playhouse, Epsom Borough Council and Surrey Chambers of Commerce to help promote and deliver community based recreational events for young people.
Through Richard’s tuition and mentoring, his students have achieved numerous successes: XFM Rockshool Winner 2005, XFM Rockshool Winner 2007, Vodafone Live Music Award Best Unsigned Live Band Winner 2007, Kerrademy Award Winner Best Unsigned Band 2008 and Yamaha Band for a Grand 2009.
After learning popular styles and drum systems as a student and tutor, Richard now writes a column for ‘Play Music’ magazine, demonstrating his own original ideas developed over 10 years of teaching.