Simple Steps to Help You Learn How to Be a DJ

Becoming a DJ is a dream career for many. If you're charismatic, passionate about music and you possess a strong desire to share that passion with the world, you are already on the right path to learning how to be a DJ. But there are steps you can take to make the learning process a little bit easier.

1. First decide what type of DJ you want to be. Do you want to be a special events DJ, spinning favorites to keep people dancing at weddings or holiday parties? Or do you prefer putting on a show at a club or bar, employing more technical tricks like mixing and scratching?

2. Once you've determined what kind of DJ you want to be, the next step in learning how to be a DJ is to do all of the research you can online and in trade magazines. Discover who all of the big names are in the business and how they got to be where they are now. Interviews with prolific DJs can offer valuable insights and advice and they're only a quick Google search away.

3. The next step is to build your music collection according to the demands of your intended audiences. Listening to the radio and reading trade magazines like Billboard are good ways to see which artists are topping the charts, but the internet is an even better source. Along with current top album sales and reviews updated on iTunes or Amazon, streaming sites like Pandora or Spotify can help you get a better idea of current trends. If you're looking to deejay at clubs and bars, listening to internet radio stations that play nothing but DJs from across the globe and listening to the DJs on the latest Electric Daisy Carnival lineup are both wise choices.

4. Your music collection will continue to grow on a day-to-day basis, but once you've established a strong base collection, it's time to learn about equipment. If you want to be an event DJ, you may find you will do well with just a laptop, an iPod, some speakers and a microphone. But if you are interested in becoming a club DJ, turntables and mixers are a must. Consult the internet and trade magazines for a full list of recommended equipment.

5. Consider a DJ school or mentorship. You can research DJ schools online and compare prices. For a more affordable option, you can ask local DJs to mentor you in exchange for transporting and setting up their equipment at events or promotion assistance.

6. Like any other great skill, learning how to be a DJ requires hours and hours of practice. The best way to practice is to volunteer to deejay at a friend's party or a family event. If you can borrow another DJs equipment, even better! Accept feedback, pay attention to your audience's response and adjust accordingly.