How to Become a DJ (part 1/9: Learning What DJs Do)

📖 Full Guide: passionatedj.com/howtodj
This 9-part video series is a beginner's guide for learning how to become a DJ. It's based on the original written article (see above), and can be used as a video companion. Since its original form in 2013, this guide has helped thousands of beginner DJs to get their start.

A DJ, or disc jockey, is a person who hosts recorded music for an audience. But there are many different kinds of DJs, and many reasons for them to exist. We cover several types in the video:

• Club DJs
• Mobile DJs
• Radio DJs
• Turntablists
• DJ/Producers

We also discuss the difference between DJing and music production. While DJing is hosting pre-recorded music to an audience, producing is the original creation or recording of music. (e.g. someone produces a techno song, and then a techno DJ plays that song at a festival.)

It may seem confusing, because many performances are hybrids of these two concepts. When the creator and performer of a song is the same person, you might refer to them as a DJ/Producer.

👫 For additional help or encouragement along your journey, join our free Facebook group: passionatedj.com/community

👨‍🏫 If you're looking for full courseware, we recommend "The Complete DJ Course" by our friends over at Digital DJ Tips: passionatedj.com/ddjtcourses

🎛 Need help finding your first bit of DJ hardware? Check out my other mega-guide to DJ controllers: passionatedj.com/controllers

"When you’re learning to DJ, you’re learning to match your own musical expressions with the desires of an audience. It isn’t just matching beats, or scratching over songs. It’s about being observant, empathic, and reactive.

Contrary to popular belief, learning to DJ is not an easy route to overnight success. This takes work, and hustle, and time. It’s not difficult to start. But it is difficult to stand out, and to be exceptional."

Stay tuned for part 2: Determining Your Goals!