Intro to Djing Course 

No Prerequisites Needed 

(1.5 Hours – 4 days) 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to be a DJ? This course is designed to get you started with becoming a DJ. You will learn the history, role, responsibilities and Terminology of DJing. You will also learn about the different types of DJ equipment, software packages and how to set up according to your comfort/style from start. Students will grasp an understanding of how DJing went from analog to digital. 

1st Day 

Intro to Spinwax 

Tour the facility. Discuss school vision and mission. 

Introductions 

Give background of Instructors. Get an introduction from each student 

Discuss Courses Offered at Spin Wax 

Review description of courses 

Discuss the History of the DJ 

Where did the term “DJ” came from. Who were the pioneers of the DJ world. What DJ’s influenced the art. Who invented the “Scratch” 

The Culture of the Art, Roles and Responsibilities 

Discuss how the Dj has become an important role in entertainment. Learn the roles of the DJ 

Learn Dj Terminology 

Learn Key terms used in the Dj World. Learn terms involving Dj equipment, event planning 

Discuss the different types/Style of DJ’s 

Discuss the different types of DJs (Club, Radio, Scratch, etc.) 

2nd Day 

Learn About DJ Equipment 

about the different tools that DJ’s use. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of using equipment. Learn how to properly set up DJ Equipment from start to finish. Gain knowledge on knowing what to use for a specific event/occasion. Students will learn hardware equipment such as turntables, CDs 

Introduction to the Digital World 

Learn how Djing evolved from Vinyl to Digital media. Learn how to convert music to digital files (MP3, WAV). Learn the different tools and equipment used in the life of a professional DJ. These tools include (Computers, Interfaces, software and control devices). 

3rd Day 

Learn the different types of DJ Set ups - Hands on Instruction 

Discover the different types of Dj styles. Learn what setup/style is comfortable for the student. Hands on instruction and practice to familiarize the student with their comfort level of setup. 

4th Day 

Intro to Serato DJ Software 

Students will learn the importance and why this is the standard in the DJ industry. Students will learn the basic functionality of the software. Students will also learn how to up and personalize files. Students will learn how to find music files and learn how to organize. 

Intermediate DJ Course 

Prerequisite (Intro to Dj or knowledge of most studies) 

(1.2 - 2 Hours – 5 Days) 

Summary: Once students grasp an understanding of what a Dj is, Spin Wax Academy will teach you all basics needed to start! Students will experience Serato (The worlds industry leader in DJ software/programs). Spin Wax will teach students the basic techniques in blending, beat matching and party rocking techniques. Students will learn how to understand different music genres and when to play a specific type of song during events. 

Simple DJ Techniques - Hands on Instruction 

will learn about Tempo flow and BPM (Beats Per Minute). Students will learn structure (beats, bars and phrases). They will also learn how to catch the rhythm by finding the first beat of the bar. Students will learn how to cue a track (using headphones, cue points, faders and pre fade controls) 

Understand / Learning your music - Hands on Instruction 

Students will understand vinyl grooves and marks. Students will also learn how to spot music that will work together. Understanding the type of event and plan your music accordingly. Learn how to read your crowd. Learn how to structure your mix against your audience. 

Drop Mixing – Hands on Instruction 

will get an understanding of kicks, snare and phrase catching to blending and dropping. Students will learn how to switch between styles and tempos and learn how to match levels. Students will understand cueing and learn cueing techniques. Students will understand cross fader and channel curve adjusting when blending in music. 

Beat Matching – Hands on Instruction 

Students will learn how to adjust the speed of a record/cd. The student will also understand the importance of matching the beat by pitch shifting and cueing. Students will learn how to manually adjust the speed of the record. Students will learn how to use the cross fader and the channel faders when fading in a song. 

RECAP of previous weeks - Hands on Instruction and Q&A 

Practice and Evaluation of the student understanding of what was covered in the course. Questioning and Answering. Sometimes will have special guest 

Advanced DJ Course 

Prerequisite (Basic DJ Course completed or Knowledge of most studies covered in Basic DJ Course) 

(1.5 Hours – 5 Days) 

Summary: Spin Wax Academy Intermediate Course is where you get creative with DJing. At this point, the student is very familiar with beat matching and cueing. Spin Wax Academy shows you how to put a good performance element into your set by introducing the student with mixing and scratching techniques. Students will understand the importance of professionalism when dealing with clients. 

 

Advanced instruction using Serato Scratch Live Software – Hands On Instruction 

Students will learn more advanced techniques using the Serato Scratch Live DJ Software. Students will learn how to set up que points. Learn how to use the effects tools in Serato. And more! 

 

Advanced Mixing Techniques – Hands on Instruction 

Students will learn how to be versatile while mixing with different genres of music. Students will understand surprise dropping. Students will learn some advanced tricks in blending and beat matching. 

Basic Scratching Techniques – Hands on Instruction 

Students will learn the simple scratches (The Baby Scratch, Slur Scratch, Military Scratch, Cuts, Transformers and Stabs. 

Understanding Professionalism in the DJ Business 

Students will get an understanding of how to interact with potential clients. Learn what to do to prepare for an event (song list, understanding the needs of the client). Students will gain knowledge of crowd control during different types of environments. Students will understand what being a professional DJ really means 

RECAP of previous weeks - Hands on Instruction and Q&A 

Practice and Evaluation of students understanding. Questioning and Answering 

- Sometimes will have special guest 

Master DJ Course 

Prerequisite (Basic DJ Course through Intermediate courses completed or Knowledge of most studies covered in Basic through Intermediate DJ Courses) 

Summary: Spin Wax Academy’s advanced course will take your DJ skills to the next level. Whether you’re an experienced DJ or not, this course is designed to give the student the extra skills needed to take it to the next level. Learn advance scratches and beat mixing techniques. Learn how to mix with videos using Serato Video SL. Students will also get helpful tips and knowledge on the business side of the DJ business. 

Basic Scratching Techniques – Hands on Instruction 

Students will learn advance scratches (Crab Scratch, Chirp Scratch, Faderless Scratching, Advance Transformers and Scratch Patterns. 

Advanced Mixing Techniques – Hands on Instruction 

Students will learn basic and intermediate beat juggle techniques. Students will also learn trick mixing and looping.  

Intro to Using Serato Video SL – Hands on Instruction 

Students will learn techniques on using Serato Video SL. Learn how to use the effects in Video SL. Learn Video Blend-ins and effects. Learn where to find music videos and how to manage files. 

Understanding the DJ Business 

Students will get an understanding of knowing how to price and be competitive. Students will learn how to become a professional DJ by gaining knowledge from professionals who have been in the business for years! Students will learn how this trade can become a great money earning profession! 

RECAP of previous weeks - Hands on Instruction and Q&A 

Practice and Evaluation of students understanding. Questioning and Answering 

- Sometimes will have special guest