12/14/2012

Learn How To DJ In These Simple Steps

By Celia Hall


Everyday, thousands of people decide to learn how to DJ. Some people dream of making a living out of this, while some do it for fun. Being a disc jockey, or a DJ, involves playing pre-recorded music for an audience.

The first thing to consider when learning how to DJ is the type one wants to be. The Radio DJ plays music that is broadcast on radio stations. Club DJs play music in clubs, bars, discos, raves, and parties. The Hip Hop DJ plays music using turntables to back-up MCs or to do turntable scratching. The Reggae DJ is a vocalist who raps over pre-recorded music. The Mobile DJ is a DJ who travels with a portable sound system to play in various events such as weddings and corporate events.

Aside from the type of DJ one wants to be, one must also decide whether he wants to DJ digitally or to use vinyl. Both have its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of being a digital DJ is the number of effects that digital software offers, while vinyl records have a better quality of sound.

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.

People say that being a DJ is a form of art. Thus, there are no set steps when one wants to learn how to DJ. Aside from technique, one must also DJ with his soul.




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