How to Become a DJ

No matter what other people say, the DJ is the heart of any party. At the stroke of his fingers, he can controls the people’s dance moves and gyrations. He is also regarded as a celebrity, as party goers try to get to know him better, since knowing the DJ is an instant ticket to joining the “in crowd.” With a good combo of music-mixing talent and an outgoing personality, you can be the sensation of any night club that books you as a DJ.

Step 1: Listen Listen Listen

A DJ knows his music over anything else and so should you. Purchase or download a haul of trance, house, jazz, soul, hip hop and r’n'b tracks. Place most of them in your portable music player then listen to them until you get accustomed to their beats. Once you have been familiarized with the varying rhythms, select between house music and hip hop/rnb for your specialization.

Step 2: Purchase Top Notch Equipment

Starter kits are ideal for beginners, but once you hear the capabilities of top notch turntables and CD platforms, you’ll be inspired to learn fast. Remember, your priorities are getting a turntable and a mixer. Just purchase the other devices later, when you have mastered the basics. Seek the recommendation of seasoned DJs, so you’ll know the brands and models that perform best.

Step 3: Hone Your Mixing Skills

Learning how to mix and sequence songs used to be a tiring and tedious process. Now you can simply download programs that will teach you how to mix for every genre. Best of all, you get to store your work in your computer for reviewing, editing and sampling purposes. Develop a sharp sense of timing, so you can modify and sequence a string of tunes to create several hours worth of continuous dance music.

Step 4: Observe, Learn and Practice

During the weekends, go to some of the fanciest bars and watch how the experienced DJs do it. You will surely pick up new dimensions on how to improve your skills. Apply everything you have heard and learned on your turntable and mixer. Chances are, you’ll be nearly as good as the DJs in town after several months of religious practice.

Step 5: Develop Charisma

You, having acquired serious mixing skills, should also work on your party personality. Notice that all successful DJs are charismatic. They can blend in with different crowds and get along well with most of them. During your free time, you can go to nightclubs and observe the people. Get to know their general likes and dislikes. You can even practice mingling with them, if you choose. Once you have learned how to communicate with them effectively, you will have an instant following in your gigs.

Step 6: Start with Small Gigs, Build a Network

Given that you’re starting out, settle first for small gigs. The events may not be grand, but they will give you a chance to see how the crowd reacts to the songs or playlists. Make the necessary adjustments until you come up with better mixes and sequences. During your breaks, mingle with different people. Befriend them and secure their contact numbers. Soon enough, you will gain a solid reputation, which can land you a slot in the most prestigious places.

Step 7: Befriend Other DJs, Bigwigs and Bar Owners

Other DJs, once you befriend them, will help you gain more exposure and improve your skills. Some of them will let you join them in their gigs and even give you your own slot, if you’re quite impressive. Bigwigs and bar owners, on the other hand, will book you if you deal with them nicely. Befriend many DJs, bigwigs and bar owners, and you’ll soon be one of the hottest DJs in town.

Just like with any other profession, the road to being a DJ is challenging. You have to devote long hours to master your music, develop charisma and gather contacts. With much perseverance and dedication, you can finally call yourself “The Life of the Party.”