A disc jockey, or a DJ, is a person who plays music that has been previously recorded for an audience. Today, there are said to be more than a million professional DJs in the world. Despite this large number, there are still thousands who want to learn how to DJ.
One has five options to choose from when it comes to the type of DJ one wants to be: radio, club, hip hop, reggae or mobile DJ. The Radio DJ announces and plays the music on radio stations. The DJs that play in clubs, bars, discos, parties, and raves are called Club DJs. Some DJs do turntable scratching or play music as back-up to MCs, these are the Hip Hop DJs. Some DJs rap over music, they are called Reggae DJs. The Mobile DJs are those that play at weddings, corporate events, and other such events.
Once the aspiring DJ decides what type of DJ he wants to be, he then has to decide on the media type to use. Digital DJs use digital media files. Digital DJs have the convenience of being able to take all their music in just one piece of equipment, their laptop or PC. Digital DJs are also able to use digital software, something old school DJs have to do without. Old school DJs, on the other hand, have the advantage of using music from vinyl records, which have better sound quality than its digital counterpart. The reason why a large number of DJs still prefer the old way is this better sound quality.
One cannot start learning how to DJ without music. Acquiring music can be done digitally or by collecting vinyl records and CDs. How music is acquired will depend on whether one chooses to be a digital DJ or an old school DJ.
Aside from the music, there are four pieces of equipment that are necessary in the basic DJ setup. The first two are vital in letting people hear the music: the amplifier and the speakers. Some speakers also have a built-in amplifier. The next item is the mixer. A DJ mixer cues one song from one music source, allowing for a continuous transition between two or more music sources. This allows the DJ to blend two songs together so that there is no lull in between songs. The good use of the mixer is one of the most important skills of a good DJ. The last essential item is the source of audio. For CDs and records, one will need at least two sources of audio such as two record players or two CD players. For computer media files, only one audio source is needed.
Equipment that manipulate sound or add sound effects may also be added to the setup. Samplers, drum machines, and the sub harmonic synthesizer are only some of the many equipment that may be added. Usually, it is the more experienced DJs who add such equipment to their setup.
After all the preparations have been completed, the aspiring DJ will need to learn the different mixing techniques. The only way to master these techniques will be through practice, and one of the best ways to practice is to DJ for an actual crowd. Volunteer or free gigs are usually great starting points for amateur DJs.
To learn how to DJ requires some work. It is not all about technique or style. Much like the painter paints not just with his hand but also with his heart, a good DJ must also DJ with his soul.
One has five options to choose from when it comes to the type of DJ one wants to be: radio, club, hip hop, reggae or mobile DJ. The Radio DJ announces and plays the music on radio stations. The DJs that play in clubs, bars, discos, parties, and raves are called Club DJs. Some DJs do turntable scratching or play music as back-up to MCs, these are the Hip Hop DJs. Some DJs rap over music, they are called Reggae DJs. The Mobile DJs are those that play at weddings, corporate events, and other such events.
Once the aspiring DJ decides what type of DJ he wants to be, he then has to decide on the media type to use. Digital DJs use digital media files. Digital DJs have the convenience of being able to take all their music in just one piece of equipment, their laptop or PC. Digital DJs are also able to use digital software, something old school DJs have to do without. Old school DJs, on the other hand, have the advantage of using music from vinyl records, which have better sound quality than its digital counterpart. The reason why a large number of DJs still prefer the old way is this better sound quality.
One cannot start learning how to DJ without music. Acquiring music can be done digitally or by collecting vinyl records and CDs. How music is acquired will depend on whether one chooses to be a digital DJ or an old school DJ.
Aside from the music, there are four pieces of equipment that are necessary in the basic DJ setup. The first two are vital in letting people hear the music: the amplifier and the speakers. Some speakers also have a built-in amplifier. The next item is the mixer. A DJ mixer cues one song from one music source, allowing for a continuous transition between two or more music sources. This allows the DJ to blend two songs together so that there is no lull in between songs. The good use of the mixer is one of the most important skills of a good DJ. The last essential item is the source of audio. For CDs and records, one will need at least two sources of audio such as two record players or two CD players. For computer media files, only one audio source is needed.
Equipment that manipulate sound or add sound effects may also be added to the setup. Samplers, drum machines, and the sub harmonic synthesizer are only some of the many equipment that may be added. Usually, it is the more experienced DJs who add such equipment to their setup.
After all the preparations have been completed, the aspiring DJ will need to learn the different mixing techniques. The only way to master these techniques will be through practice, and one of the best ways to practice is to DJ for an actual crowd. Volunteer or free gigs are usually great starting points for amateur DJs.
To learn how to DJ requires some work. It is not all about technique or style. Much like the painter paints not just with his hand but also with his heart, a good DJ must also DJ with his soul.
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