When did YOU feel comfortable in your abilities?

[keithace]

Got my first decks and a mixer when I was 14, and didn't really feel comfortable to play out until I was 17 if not 18 even, but that's also learning on a pair of POS tables so my learning curve is a bit different than more peoples today. = p

so now that you're 19...

[feelthecisuM]

For production. Took me about two years before I posted anything to the net and it was still shit. Most of my new stuff isn't that good, but good enough.
For DJing, took about 1 year before I played anything, even then it was okay at best. People at the party enjoyed it, I enjoyed myself. All in all it was a good experience and boosted my confidence. But I don't post my mixes because they're limited and just about all the transitions are littered with FXs.

[Jack Rabid]

Wow, this thread got an awesome response, I'm loving the diversity in backgrounds here. Also the advice is always welcome as well, thank you to those who have offered it. I'm actually just checking up on this at 2 in the morning where I am, so I'll have to stop back in tomorrow and edit this post to offer some meaningful discussion on my part.

[Lineypirate]

I only became comfortable with my abilities while I was running a "DJ Workshop" during a week night at the club I had a residency at. It was watching some of the "students" go from complete train wreck to decent DJ's that made me realise I was doing something right! And this was about 6 years after I started DJ'ing and about 5 years after I started playing out.

The fact is that we are always learning, and thanks to people who pioneer and push the boundaries with different facets of this art form (mixing/sampling/turntablism/controllerism) we will always have more and more to catch up with!

EDIT: I still get nervous before every gig. Keeps me on my toes.

[DJSp1n]

I believe EVERYONE should feel comfortable when they learn to beatmatch properly, not to mess with the sync-button users but I think if you don't know how to manually beatmatch you are not a DJ, of course you could use the sync sometime, or when you're beggining, but if you always use it, I don't consider you a DJ. I got my first controller 3 months ago, a Mixtrack Pro, made some mixes, good start, bought the S4, maybe some great mixes and learned pretty much the basics, and now as a backup setup I bought a Behringer BCD3000, and I grew to love it, so I mostly play with it now. I use this one because when I'm just fooling around, I use VDJ it is just a simple great fun software to use, everyone can learn from it, Traktor and Serato are more proffesional. Turns out, I mix more comfortably with VDJ than Traktor. I learned to beatmatch while using VDJ, so I love this software now. NOW I dont doubt myself, I'm very comfortable with what I do now.

[DJ ATX]

I believe EVERYONE should feel comfortable when they learn to beatmatch properly, not to mess with the sync-button users but I think if you don't know how to manually beatmatch you are not a DJ, of course you could use the sync sometime, or when you're beggining, but if you always use it, I don't consider you a DJ.

I agree. That is the most basic skill a DJ should have. It is one skill that is/should be learned from the beginning and carried on throughout your career.

[urbanj]

I agree. That is the most basic skill a DJ should have. It is one skill that is/should be learned from the beginning and carried on throughout your career.

Paul McCartney can't read music. Does that mean he is not a real musician?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_GCvApODg

[DJ ATX]

Paul McCartney can't read music. Does that mean he is not a real musician?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_GCvApODg

Entertainer in my book. Musician should be able to write/read lyrics and music and play at least one instrument. Otherwise you are JUST an entertainer and/or singer. Much respect for what Sir McCartney has done though.

[keithace]

Entertainer in my book. Musician should be able to write/read lyrics and music and play at least one instrument. Otherwise you are JUST an entertainer and/or singer. Much respect for what Sir McCartney has done though.

that would probably be only in your book...