Originally Posted by
soundinmotiondj
I have taught similar classes to local DJs to "fill in the gaps." So, I always start from the ground up and some of this may be review for them.
PA System Basics:
IF they will have ANY responsibilities for setting up, or even turning on the sound system.... I would begin with an overview of the PA system. Basic interconnection of the music source, mixer, effects, amps, and cabinets. The different cable, the different connections, how to test and diagnose common problems. Even a read through of the "Troubleshooting" section of the manual would be helpful. Include something on setting up gain structure, and cover ALL the "under the table" controls that they might need to alter or check. Include a discussion of how to make common connections from a CD player, or stereo receiver, or an iPhone, or a laptop into the PA system.
Getting Music:
Talk about obtaining and processing music. If original CDs or vinyl are what is used, you may be able to stop there. Maybe mention something about cleaning and storage. If a laptop will be used, I would mention wav, mp3 (including bitrates), FLAC, and any other formats of interest. Walk them trough ripping CDs, tagging, setting a gain level, setting bpm, gridding (as appropriate), and burning "mix CDs". Talk about reliable places to purchase digital music. Talk about music management strategies, the use of tags, playlists, smart playlist (from iTunes), etc. Talk about backups of a digital music library!!!!!
Have them go process some of their music using this new information. If CD based, they need to get the bpm of several dozen tracks. If computer, they should "process" several dozen tracks and update the tags to include all the necessary information.
Talk about common music editing tools to trim long intros, change bpm, build in loop-able sections for easier beatmixing, etc. Audacity is all that is needed.
General Music Theory:
Talk about general music structure, 4/4 time, 8 bar phrases, counting beats, counting bpm, etc. Discuss general "programming" techniques that are appropriate for assembling a larger set for your audience and typical genres. If you are able, talk about key signature in music and introduce some ideas about harmonic mixing.
DJ Basics:
Introduce the theory of beatmixing. Show them the "Five basic transitions" techniques Ean discusses in this video:
Introduce the "DJ controls" in the booth again. At a minimum, discuss the mixer and player controls. Demonstrate the use of the up faders, channel gains, cross fader (including channel assignments), the 3-band EQ and filter (if available). Add in any other controls that are available in the actual setup. Do this with actual demonstrations of how that changes the sound in the room.
MC Basics:
If appropriate, talk about basic microphone technique, how to hold and use a microphone and make announcements. Practice using the "radio announcer voice" and then avoiding the "radio announcer voice." Have everyone take some TV commercial or radio ad or movie trailer they like, and have them re-create it as a method to practice.
Practice:
The remainder of the time I would spend on the "mechanics" of DJing....hands on practice of assembling and playing a set, beatmixing (if needed), using loops to make transitions easier. Have them prep and preform a 5 song routine in 10 minutes (it forces some mixing or cutting the songs short).
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