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5 Reasons Why DJ Classes Create Stronger DJ Skills and Techniques than Self-Taught Methods

Future DJ’s working on their skills and techniques

In 2020, learning how to DJ has never been more accessible. The internet offers more resources than the eager student can digest. Resources to choose from such as YouTube, DJ forums, and online education make it easier than ever to get lost in the vast abyss of info. A lot of time can be wasted watching YouTube videos on unnecessary information to the beginner DJ or too easy for the professional DJ. 

 

Online education provides the freedom to learn how to DJ from the comfort of your own home but learning in a comfortable environment isn’t for the serious DJ. However, if you’re sincere about honing your DJ skills and techniques and learning how DJs create music then online education might not be the best fit. 

 

Self-taught DJ’s must be willing to invest 10x more time and energy into their DJ skill development. But the worst part is the many important DJ skills and the skills mentioned below can’t be self-taught. Music, especially DJ’ing is a collaborative effort. And if your serious about progressing your DJ skills and techniques and learning how DJs craft different songs together then the self-taught method might not be for you. But rather than just talking. Let’s go over 5 benefits you’ll only gain from taking a DJ class.

1.DJ Mentorship  

For the serious DJ student, face to face time with an instructor is crucial. An instructor is great for navigating the foundation of DJ’ing without the guesswork that comes with online education. A DJ instructor can point out what you’re doing wrong and what is working for you in a way that will save you time and effort. That’s something a computer screen can’t help you with. 

Building relationships with an instructor can accelerate your learning process and help you avoid the frustration of watching 1000 YouTube videos on one DJ concept.

In fact, Mark Edmundson, an English Professor at the University of Virginia argued in a Time opinion piece that online education creates a “monologue and not a real dialogue” in a learning environment. Lack of dialogue can lead to a lack of discipline, which brings me to my next point.

DJ instructors will keep you focused on your DJ skills’ progress. Discipline is the secret sauce to cultivating ALL skill sets, not just DJing. But having an instructor to confide in keeps DJ students more disciplined then self-taught methods. When it comes to mapping your DJing progress you can lie to yourself but not your teacher. 

On top of these tips, a DJ instructor can offer you experienced value. A well-taught instructor can give you advice from “what DJ software DJ’s use?” to “what DJ controller should I buy?” A fool learns from their own mistakes but a professional DJ learns from the mistakes of others. In addition to great teaching, your DJ instructor may share their network of contacts in the industry. Obtaining connections from people in the industry adds validation to your DJ profile. 

2. Networking In the Industry 

One strong advantage to learning DJ skills through a class is the benefits of networking. Studying your DJ skills and techniques in a class environment can increase your network of contacts within the DJ industry. 

Networking is about sharing, not taking. It’s about forming trust and helping one another toward goals. Networking is a must when it comes to being a DJ. It’ll help you go from beginner DJ to multiple gigs a week. Learning with a community and learning from an instructor opens you up to a world of connections right in front of you. 

3. Exposure to Different Musical Perspectives

One of the most beautiful features of the art of the DJ is that every DJ has its own unique style. You may use the same software, same physical equipment, and the same records, but your DJ style will be what defines who you are as a distinctive DJ.

A surprising benefit of taking DJ classes is the wide range of DJ styles and approaches that you’ll be exposed to. One simple DJ skills may be used in many different perspectives. Learning with other DJ’s will help you brainstorm different approaches and see the DJ craft in perspectives you never would by learning on your own. 

Some of the most prolific artists such as Prince, David Bowie, and Drake created a long-lasting dynasty of music because they’re not afraid to explore different musical perspectives. This is a rare (and my personal favorite) advantage of crafting your DJ skills in a class setting. 

DJ Students Building their Skills with Each Other  

By being in a class environment, you’ll make friends who share the same passion for DJing as you do. You could go even further and expand your DJ practice by collaborating with your fellow classmates on your own time. Your classmates can be a great encouragement for creating and keeping you disciplined on your DJ craft. 

4. Speed up the Learning Process 

Learning how to become a DJ by yourself can be a long and daunting task. You have to navigate the net to find the correct learning resources for your DJ skillset. Then you need to filter the best learning resources within YouTube videos, forums, etc. 

On top of that, you need to teach yourself every basic lesson while making sure you’re being taught the correct way. You need to do research on the channel's your watching to make sure they’re qualified to teach you. No one is there to correct your mistakes for you. This means it might take months for you to learn how to do some of the most basic DJ skills on your own.

But if you were in a controlled learning environment a professional DJ can tell you what’s wrong with your technique in a matter of seconds. This is the power of having a teacher to confide in when you feel lost during the learning process. 

A DJ class taught by an instructor can save you a lot of time, energy, and frustration. That is why taking a DJ class if for the serious learner and not for the curious. 

Another way a DJ class can speed up your personal development as a DJ is through your interpersonal skills. Having an instructor and peers to communicate your craft will keep your social skills sharp. One feature that can’t be replicated through self-taught methods. At Rock and Soul, we help speed up the learning process even more with the use of our professional equipment 


 5. Practice with the Best Equipment 

Rock and Soul has the hottest inventory selection of DJ equipment in all of New York City. With our DJ classes, you get to practice with the best of the best. Cultivate your DJ skills with professional equipment. That’s for DJ classes for kids and DJ classes for adults.

We find its only fit for you to practice with the best-- until you become the best. So if you can’t afford the best equipment in the industry, Rock and Soul have got your back while you progress your DJ skills. 

At Rock and Soul’s DJ school, we don’t just offer our professional equipment during class hours. We want you to explore your passion for DJing on your own time too. That’s why Rock and Soul offers a 15% discount on equipment to our students because we believe in your ability to succeed. 

 

Future DJ’s Learning from the Professional DJ’s

BONUS: ROCK and SOUL DJ Classes

Kids DJ classes-- Spring Semester starts 1st week of February

If a DJ class is your preferred method of learning Rock and Soul offers DJ classes that fit every type of learning style. We offer intimate classes with no more than 5 DJ’s in a class. If you’re interested in private lessons Rock and Soul are more than happy to accommodate private lessons for you. 

AND… these classes are available for adults and kids. Our after school program offers DJ classes to kids aged 6-17. Host your next birthday party with us at Rock and Soul!

We also offer events for corporate offices. If your corporate office is looking for an opportunity to bond with your fellow colleagues then look no further! Rock and Soul’s corporate team building events combine smiles, laughter, and great music for all! Contact us at info@rockandsoul.com for any questions you need answered and See the schedule below to find the right class for you.

 

Host your Child’s Next Birthday Party at the #1 DJ store in NYC

KIDS DJ CLASS SCHEDULE 

AGE

DATE(s)

TIME

 8-10 years old

Tuesdays or Thursdays

4:00 PM- 5:15 PM

11-14 years old

Thursdays

5:15 PM- 6:30 PM

15-17 years old

Wednesdays

4:00 PM- 5:15 PM





DJ CLASS SCHEDULE AND CLASS OPTIONS 

Start Date

Weekday

Time

Class

All Session Dates

Status

01/04/2020

Saturday

1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Learn to DJ -Group Class for beginners

1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1

Open - Click to Enroll

02/08/2020

Saturday

1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

One time group class for beginners

2/8/2020

Open - Click to Enroll

02/08/2020

Saturday

1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Learn to DJ -Group Class for beginners

2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7

Open - Click to Enroll

02/04/2020

Tuesday

4:00 pm to 5:15 pm

After School - Spring Semester (For 7-10 year olds) - Every Tuesday.

02/04/2020 to 06/23/2020

Open - Click to Enroll

02/06/2020

Thursday

5:15 pm to 6:30 pm

After School - Spring Semester (For 11-14 year olds) - Every Thursday.

02/06/2020 to 06/25/2020

Open - Click to Enroll

02/06/2020

Thursday

4:00 pm to 5:15 pm

After School - Spring Semester (For 7-10 year olds) - Every Thursday.

02/06/2020 to 06/25/2020

Open - Click to Enroll

02/05/2020

Wednesday

4:00 pm to 5:15 pm

After School - Spring Semester (For 14 -17 year olds) - Every Wednesday.

02/05/2020 to 06/24/2020

Open - Click to Enroll

01/07/2020

Tuesdays

4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Drop in classes for kids (7-10 year olds)

Every Tuesday

Open - Click to Enroll

01/02/2020

Thursdays

5:15pm - 6:30pm

Drop in classes for kids (11-14 year olds)

Every Thursday

Open - Click to Enroll

You decide!

Ableton private classes

5 Private Class Sessions

Open - Click to Enroll

You decide!

Mon-Sat

Your Schedule

Private Lessons

Single and Multi-Class

Packages Available

 

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