Duration: 4 months
By studying this module, you will gain access to SEM’s pro DJ studios from when you begin this DJ module, until the end of your course.
If you already have lots of DJ experience when starting this course, speak with us before enrolling as we may be able to swap this module out for a programme of 1-2-1 DJ training instead which may be more beneficial if you’re not a beginner DJ. By doing this it may mean we can still allow you full access to the DJ suites for the duration of your course.
This 4-month Complete DJ module is taught in small groups of students, and aimed at total beginners, or those who have a DJ controller or set of decks at home, but have been self-taught or learnt from a friend. If you’re producing music, learning to DJ is great for three reasons: it’s a great way to start getting your music out and heard, it’s a great stream of income, and it’s really fun!
You’ll have the opportunity to learn all platforms available for DJing today: CDJs, vinyl, digital, and DVS systems. We have a range of industry standard Pioneer hardware including the flagship NXS units. This course will look at the industry standard Traktor and Serato digital DJing software. We’ll also cover mixing on vinyl, and DVS platforms which are great if you’re a vinyl lover but want to incorporate a digital music library.
You’ll be exploring a range of DJ techniques so that you’ll be able to mix confidently, show off DJing tricks and secret weapons (including 3 and 4 deck mixing), and build your sets to make an impact.
‘How do I get gigs?’ – we explain the do’s, the don’ts, DJ branding and getting yourself out there. Underpinning your social output, we will explore fundamental good habits that you can build. These will enable you to become not only a better DJ, but help you build your audience consistently. As part of this we will look at setting goals, and explore game-changing approaches that other successful DJs have employed.
On this course we also want to help you build your electronic press kit. One of your lessons will involve a photoshoot with a professional photographer, who’ll take a selection of hi-res images of you DJing, for you to use in your future DJ careers.
SEM is a Native Instruments Education Partner, a Serato Training Centre, and a Pioneer Authorised Training Centre.
Equipment, Setup and Basics
CDJs, turntables & mixers, monitoring & headphones, audio connections & wiring, setup and calibration, beat-matching BPMs, keeping tracks in sync, pitch correction & triggering, timing, cues & visual references.
CDJs, Vinyl, Digital Vinyl Systems, Digital and Scratch DJing
Beatmatching records, basic scratch DJ techniques, scratching with vinyl, scratching with CDJs, sourcing scratch samples, Serato Scratch Live, Traktor Pro, Pioneer Rekordbox, digital controller integration, creating mixes with Ableton Live, and Pioneer HID control.
Effects, Sampling, and Advanced DJing
Effects, and when to use them, high and low pass filtering, advanced hot-cue techniques, creative looping, hot cue juggling, off-beat mixing, acapella overlay, 3 and 4 deck mixing.
Promotion, getting gigs, and event management
Not just a DJ course – we’ll look at these important components which can help you build your DJ brand, and get gigs.