Learn To DJ – Tips, Tricks and WARNINGS!

Being a DJ can be one of the most rewarding and fun careers in the marketplace today.
Once you learn to DJ, you can turn your hobby into a full-time, in demand job if you know what you are doing and more importantly what to avoid when you are starting out. If you think this is for you and you are ready to begin your journey, keep reading...



THE TIPS AND TRICKS

· Start out small and practice mixing with vinyl records and cd's before you jump out in front of a crowd.

· Listen to your sessions to see what areas you need to improve on. Be your own best critic.

· Do take requests for songs; it is definitely a crowd pleaser.

· As you are studying different genres of music (this is a must) focus your attention on the songs that are danceable. The reason being is that these are the tunes that the majority of your audience will be familiar with.

· Consider jumping on the YouTube bandwagon and downloading music videos to the most popular songs you plan to play.

· Most venues will have a projector that you can attach to your laptop as well as a blank screen you can use to really get the crowd into it.

· You must be charismatic and full of energy when you learn to DJ. Your #1 goal is to lead the crowd and get them excited. The bottom line here is this: If you lack charisma, you'll lose the crowd.


· You have to be able to feed off the energy the audience is putting out. For example, if the energy seems to be fading, it will be up to you to step it up a notch and keep the crowd entertained.

· To make things easier, separate different styles but putting them in different sections. Let me explain what I mean...you could play slow jams during the opening of the event, during the time when everyone is eating, and at the end.

· Up-beat songs should be played at the middle of the party or event to keep the energy flowing.

· Be creative and come up with a memorable name for yourself. Something people can easily latch on to.

WARNINGS!

· Remember where you are when you are learning how to become a DJ...for instance, never play lots of up tempo, hard rock songs at a wedding or slow love songs for a child's party.

· Remember that people will come to the DJ booth to request songs, so in order to protect your gear, keep it above shoulder height. This way you won't have to worry about spills and food ruining your equipment.

· Stay clear of running other DJ's into the ground. This could be the most valuable lesson you receive as you learn how to be a dj. You may leave a bad taste in the mouth of partygoers and prevent you from booking future gigs.

· Come up with you own style, and never steal another DJ's way of doing things. Even though they say, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" you do not want to take this route as a DJ.

· Avoid trying to pump of the crowd when they are eating. This is a time for conversation and relaxing.

These tips, tricks and warnings are most likely the easiest to adapt to as you learn to DJ. Do not take them lightly. Instead, use them to your advantage. The ball is now in your court.