| Being a DJ means that you want to dedicate your life | | | | 5. Music: Chances are you are comfortable listening to |
| to music. You have to have an insane passion for | | | | music from all times, at all times. You should know |
| music and wanting to share it with others. Technology | | | | about the big hits in music of all genres going back 50 |
| is helpful, but as we will soon see, it is important to | | | | or 60 years. The most recognizable songs are usually |
| have presence behind the music. | | | | the best to play at a party. |
| 1. Crowd pleaser or music master: This is the most | | | | 6. Match: Determine what kind of crowd is attending |
| basic distinction in the world of DJing. The former | | | | the event you are DJing and correspond the music |
| refers to being a professional audio mixer for the | | | | you want to play with the music you think they will |
| party. You want to keep the party raging at all costs. | | | | appreciate. Place different styles into different |
| A music master is a bit different. Occasionally you can | | | | categories. Slower music should go at the beginning, |
| play crowd pleasers, but for the most part you play | | | | more exciting, faster songs at the middle, and heavy |
| what you want, and pride yourself on your good taste. | | | | songs at the end. |
| It is more difficult to be a music master, but arguably | | | | 7. Personality: You don't want to try to be the center |
| more satisfying. | | | | of attention at a party. The best DJs are recognized |
| 2. Equipment: Professional DJ equipment is important to | | | | for the music they play; people will want to be near the |
| the job. You will need a professional audio mixer, a | | | | center of the party, where the music is coming from. |
| turntable, CDs, a computer or mp3 player, and vinyl. | | | | They will gravitate towards you naturally, but don't |
| Most bars and clubs have Serato Scratch Live as their | | | | forget that you are working. |
| setup, so all you have to do is bring your laptop and | | | | 8. Your First Job: In order to get some beginning |
| plug it in. | | | | experience, you will have to be competitive, which |
| 3. Choices: If you're just starting out, you will need a | | | | means dropping your rates, and doing gigs that may |
| mixer and turntables. Buy a professional audio mixer, | | | | not be the most fun. Boys and Girl Club dances, |
| and you can pick up turntables and other professional | | | | company gatherings, or senior events and friend's |
| audio equipment used. | | | | parties are good ways to get going. |
| 4. Practice: Becoming comfortable with your | | | | Like anything in life, becoming a good DJ takes a lot of |
| professional audio mixer is a great way to learn. Ask | | | | work. But if you have the passion and the drive, you |
| other DJs questions, and understand the level of | | | | will be successful, and hopefully be able to do what |
| commitment necessary to make it big. | | | | you love for a living. |