Learn How To DJ

Learning how to DJ is like anything in life, the more time you dedicate to this activity the better you will become at being a DJ. Think about this for a second. Do you think that a world class football star or a number 1 seed tennis player got to the place that they are at by flirting with their profession? Of coarse they didn’t. They got to where they are through determination, persistence and through practice, practice and more practice.
Sure certain people are born with specific skills and talents but you can only improve these talents by continually practicing the thing that you are attempting to be good at. Learning how to DJ is no different to any of the mentioned skills so the very first concept that you just have to become accustomed to is the fact that you will have to work long and hard if you want to become good at being a DJ. We have all seen the rubbish DJ’s, who show up for parties with decrepit and old DJ equipment that stops working halfway through the party. Do you think these guys have worked hard honing their skills so that they give the public the best experience that they can??
I don’t think so………………
Number one rule – Be prepared to work hard learning your profession and understand the kind of effort that you have to put in before you even think about getting the show off the ground. There are a few things that you can put into practice that will help you measure this work in a practical way without having to shell out on expensive equipment.
Buy the equipment before you try the following points and you may find that you have made a very expensive mistake!!

Only you will know which area of DJ-ing truly excites you. You might want to DJ at parties/clubs or even fancy the radio. Whatever your inspiration it is important to gain as much relevant experience as possible. We recommend that you contact a local DJ within your desired area so that you can accompany them and get an understanding of what it is they actually do for a living. This will allow you to take a peek under the bonnet and gain invaluable experience without making expensive mistakes.

If you follow point one and you decide that being a DJ is for you then you may want to trial the profession before jumping in with both feet. Hopefully by now you have struck up some type of relationship with the person who ‘showed you the ropes’. There is no harm in asking if it is possible that you manage a few sets for them so that you gain great experience and you can get a real and live taste of being a DJ.

Try DJ-ing for family or friends at first. Ok it may seem a little daunting or embarrassing but at least you will have a willing audience who are desperate for you to make a great impression. This is also a great way to cut your teeth and gain some relevant experience.

Offer your DJ services for free for a few gigs. This way you will be able to gain relevant experience and build a fan base or work on a client base.

Number two rule – Be prepared to take feedback no matter what form it comes in. There is an old and relevant saying that goes like this, ‘Feedback is the breakfast of champions’. It is solid and undeniable fact that if you truly want to succeed at something and be a master then you must be open to criticism and be able to take feedback. Feedback will make you better and better but only if you act on the advice that is offered to you. Critics are essential if we are aiming to be world class in what we do so listen to them with an open mind. Even if you don’t agree with what they are saying at the time, quite often we walk away from a situation and on self reflection we can see their point more clearly.
Most DJ’s start out their career with very little in the form of equipment. This is usually down to cost, commitment or both but the basic equipment needed comes in the form of two turntables, a mixer which is integrated with two or more channels and of coarse a cross fader. Then you will need specialist equipment so that you can hear your sounds and these will include an amplifier some speakers and of coarsen what kind of DJ would you be without a set of Earphones?
In the next section we will be taking a look at DJ Equipment and aiming to understand what you will need to become a DJ with samples of basic DJ Equipment and the set up of this equipment. Throughout this article we will attempt to guide you towards the best value for money equipment so that you can start out your venture with some great DJ Equipment that hasn’t cost you the earth……………just in case it isn’t for you.