Learn to DJ Like a Pro in 8 Steps
Learning the DJ basics is the first step to becoming a professional DJ. Advances in technology and culture have brought DJing closer to young people and helped DJ music grow stronger and stronger. As a result, a great many passionate young people want to learn to DJ and turn pro.
Yet many of them worry about where to start learning to DJ, how to learn, and whether DJing is even right for them. To point you in the right direction, the 8 steps below will help you on your way to becoming a DJ.
Learning to DJ
Step 1: Get to know DJ software
When you start learning to DJ, you need to get familiar with some of the popular software used by many professional DJs. Virtual DJ Home is one of them: it's completely free, runs on multiple platforms and has every feature you need to mix music.
If you know nothing about DJing yet, researching the software thoroughly and learning how to use it is an essential, important part of learning to DJ.
Step 2: Master beatmatching and phrasing
Beatmatching is the technique of beat-mixing tracks and melodies together. It also helps you develop the skill of picking a track apart and listening closely to hear each layer of sound accurately – which is what lets you mix a track precisely.
Phrasing can be understood simply as mixing tracks together so they flow into one another.
Learn more on the DJ course at Muse Inc
Mastering the techniques
Step 3: Get hands-on experience
Once you have the techniques and software you like, you should get your own equipment so you can practise and experiment easily. Here are some setups to consider: all-in-one controllers, modular controllers, CDJs, vinyl and a mixer, timecode…
Step 4: Record yourself
Once you've mastered the steps above, you can start making your own mixes. But remember: record every mix you make so you can listen back, judge its quality yourself and fix the mistakes you tend to make next time. The recording feature built into your software makes this really quick and easy.
Step 5: Build your name
Upload your mixes to social media and wait for the feedback. Join lively DJ communities, or communities dedicated to dance or hip-hop music.
Our advice: whatever genre you specialise in, look for forums and DJ communities focused on that style. When you share your mixes, people will tell you your strengths and weaknesses – then find ways to fix the mistakes and build on what you've achieved.
Building your name
Step 6: Keep at it
Growing your network is an essential skill if you're serious about a professional DJ career. Make friends with others in the industry and build connections so you can help each other grow. Above all, be persistent and practise hard, and you'll get there.
Step 7: Follow your passion all the way
DJing can be a career with great prospects and good money, but it's also incredibly tough. To succeed you need passion, and you must never give up. Success only counts once you've made your mark or established yourself in the music market and the entertainment world. Stay level-headed and true to yourself, but don't get arrogant once you've achieved something. Remember: staying humble will bring you plenty of partners, collaborators and colleagues.
Step 8: Keep practising and improving your skills
Talent may be innate, but it also takes honing. Keep being creative and discovering new music. Use every skill you have in finding music, mixing and expressing yourself. That also means finding ways to work efficiently and doing things right from the very start.
Muse Inc is confident it can give you solid knowledge to take with you on your way to a top DJ career. Join the basic DJ course at Muse Inc and become the professional DJ you dream of being. Good luck!
See also: offers when you study at Muse Inc
