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.:micheal:.'s Blog

April 28, 2009
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Let's face it, there is a lot to learn when you start anything new. Becoming a DJ is no exception. You'll have to know about cartridges, needles, mixers and tables. You'll need to learn what pitch and tempo is and how to scratch or beatmix. In many peoples opinions, the best possible way to learn all of the aspects of becoming a DJ is watch someone. Find a mentor or someone to study under. A lot of DJs are willing to lend a hand to people trying to get into the art in exchange for helping carry gear at a gig perhaps. Maybe you can wash their car every week in exchange for some hands on training. The best way to become a DJ is to learn from a DJ hands on.

There aren't many schools that will teach you how to become a DJ. The art of being a DJ is more of an underground movement. Nightclubs, parties, weddings, there are many events where DJs can show off their skills, but you'll rarely see it taught in a classroom. The best DJ teachers are the ones with the experience. The DJs who have been mixing and spinning for many successful years. The art of scratching may be overrated by some as well. Some DJs just don't have a need to do it. If you plan on becoming a DJ for weddings, the bride and groom probably don't want to hear a DJ scratching away. They just want the music to keep playing all night. It all depends on what kind of DJ you plan to become. If you want to battle, or DJ at hot night clubs or hip-hop grooves, you will probably want to learn how to scratch. When you decide to become a DJ, don't be afraid to try everything, the more talents you have, the more job opportunities are available.

The single greatest piece of advice that can be given to someone starting out is -- PRACTICE! Many aspects of DJing are reasonably intuitive and will present themselves the more you practice. The core of being this sort of entertainer is being able to work your music. Learn your songs well, and get your beatmixing down solid. A natural progression will start from there. The hardest part about writing this document is covering all the different choices available. From my experience and listening to other professional DJs, I've learned that most decisions are personal choices which only you can make. If you find yourself unsure about what direction you want to take, examine both for yourself. Its not nearly as easy as someone telling you "decision X is the best way to go," but you will be much more confident in your choice and will have much less room for bad decisions. The first few questions you have to ask yourself are common amongst beginners.

1. Do I really want to do this?
This may seem like a terribly odd question to be asking, but it is something that you need to evaluate carefully. DJing requires a lot of time, energy, money, and patience. If you aren't sure you have these sort of facilities, avoid making any commitments until you are sure.

2. What sort of equipment do I need to start with?
If you aren't sure about whether this is something you want to seriously pursue -- don't buy anything. Find a friend who'll let you use their equipment and practice on it a bit. (Don't forget to take them out to dinner in exchange!) Once you're sure you want to get into this some more, be ready to drop serious money on gear. Professional level gear should run you about $1000 to get started. This will include either a pair of turntables or a pair of CD players, and a mixer. You can use a home stereo as your amps and speakers while you get started. If you aren't sure that you're going to be doing this for the long haul and can't drop $1000 for equipment, then skimp as much as you can and save for the real stuff once you're sure. This means getting turntables with minimum features (ie: Gemini XL-BD10's) and a simple mixer. If you're going to spin CDs, this becomes tough real quick... the minimum priced pitch control CD decks are from Gemini and cost about $250 a piece. They are good starter decks, but moving up to better CD players in the future is something to seriously consider. Bottom line: Spend the least you can if you aren't sure. Buy the real stuff as soon as you can afford it and are sure that's the direction you want to take. And don't forget to buy a pair of good headphones! You can get them from Circuit City or similar stores for about $40 for a decent pair.

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