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.
Guy Allison
Guy has been a proactive drummer since he started playing at the age of 9. Following the trend of today’s top drummers, Guy is dexterous, leading with either hand and at ease using single or double pedal.
He has extensive knowledge of drum theory and rudiments which he expresses through his own rock/funk style. Taught by Realistic Rock Head Drum Tutor, Richard Henderson for over 6 years, Guy has a keen understanding of effective, structured teaching and good communication skills.
Guy’s drum/band credits include:
Opening XFM’s Winter Wonderland at Brixton Academy in front of 5000 people, supporting Bloc Party, Supergrass, Kate Nash and Jack Penate.
Winning the final of ‘XFM’s Rock School’ in 2007.
Youngest drummer to play on the Nokia Stage at the Reading Festival 2007.
Rococo recording prize winner at Sutton’s Best Band competition.
Carshalton’s Best Band competition winner.
Live performances as guest band on XFM’s Alex Zane Breakfast Show.
Featured frequently in the local press, radio and the national Independent Magazine.
Two ‘Most Improved Player’ Awards at Realistic Rock.
‘Get in a Band and Play’ Battle of the Bands Winner.
Furthermore, Guy has already gained valuable teaching experience at Realistic Rock, including teaching Group Drum lessons, Live Performance Workshops and workshops for young people with learning disabilities.
Jordan Smith
With a Degree in drums, Jordan has spent years playing in variety of styles, from jazz in wine bars, to rock/pop and drum and bass at festivals.
Jordan has embraced the relationship between music and technology and has extensive experience making high quality backing tracks, using his knowledge of treble clef.
Jordan’s aptitude and enthusiasm for drums and music theory have lead to credits as a musical director for some of the
U.K’s biggest tribute bands such as Maybe Gaga and Blackeyed Teaz.
He has also played for a number of original acts in the U.K., and is experienced in playing with backing tracks and click tracks.
Jordan’s positive attitude, passion for drums and his ability to use the latest technology to facilitate learning means he is always one step ahead of the latest teaching techniques.