DJ skills lessons in East and West Sussex
DJing is now widely considered a true musical skill and we are very pleased to be able to offer DJ lessons for children aged 6 and above, as well as adult learners. Our DBS-checked DJ teacher not only taught many others how to mix and create their own DJ sets, he is also an experienced live DJ himself.
With dance music continuing to grow in popularity, we feel that DJ lessons are a great option for kids who may not feel they want to learn a more traditional musical instrument but who love music and want to be able to be involved and be creative.
What are the benefits of learning to DJ?
While learning more “traditional” musical instruments can build confidence, help coordination and much more, DJ lessons add another facet to existing skills through the use of technology, working well alongside other IT education. The performance aspect of DJing also means that children can quickly reach a level where they can DJ at parties or events, aiding self confidence and social growth. At the same time, DJing uses many traditional music skills, with a huge focus on understanding tempo and allows for a great deal of creativity, especially when using the dedicated software available.
Looking further ahead, DJing has recently been added to the GSCE syllabus and can be taken as part of the full music GSCE exam.
Where do we offer DJ lessons?
Currently we offer DJ skills lessons in Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas.
What is the format of DJ skill lessons?
Vinyl records
DJ courses start with each student learning how to recognise the rhythm in a 4 bar house music beat; they do this by "scratching" a record on industry standard Technics 1210 turntables to a backing beat. They then learn about the phrases of a tune and learn to release the record at the right tempo at the beginning of the correct bar, resulting in two tunes being played simultaneously. This mix creates a new tune which can, for example, combine the student DJ's favourite parts of two tracks.
CDJ decks
The next step is to teach the students how to mix the two tunes together using the EQ settings and "cross fader" on the mixer, making sure the volume and bass are at the right levels. At this stage we introduce the students to CDJ decks (a CD version of the vinyl record turntable) which is easier than using the turntables but uses the same principals they have already learnt. This process typically takes two or three sessions.
Digital DJing
Once they have learnt these principles on the turntables and the CDJ's, we then introduce them to digital DJing.
Digital DJing is simple: 95% of students who have had a lesson or two can understand how it works within seconds. Using the software Traktor (Native Instruments) the computer automatically beat matches the two tunes, places a cue point at the beginning of the tune and allows the DJ to concentrate on choosing the right music and mixing it in the right place. The student can also add sound effects and even loop and repeat certain parts of the track. This is where creativity can really start to be explored.
What equipment do we need?
Assuming you don't have a DJ kit at home, online software is available. Pupils can use Traktor Pro 2 software for free on a PC/laptop or an iPad. This can be downloaded from the Native Instruments website here.
Want to get started?
We offer ongoing weekly lessons in DJ skills or you can block book a set of, say, 5 or 10 lessons. To find out more, contact Rhiannon using the form below or call her on 07472 521161.