DJ I Program (Minneapolis)

Everyone knows the effect music has on a crowd. Learn to harness the music and the crowd.

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Build Your Toolbelt

This isn't just a software class - you will learn how to use all the tools of the trade.
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Small Class Sizes

Get the most out of class by being up close with your instructor.
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1-on-1 Project Feedback

Work on your own tracks under the guidance of our acclaimed producers.
Join the DJ I Program (Minneapolis) Now

Today’s DJs are experts on the power of music to move people, and with the right knowledge, that power can be yours. Learn to rock a set on any format of professional DJ tools.  This class covers everything you’ll need to create an effective and powerful set, from beat and key matching, using the DJ mixer and effects, reading the crowd, and more!

 

After completing this program, you'll be able to:

Run The Party

Using the industry-standard tools of the trade, you will be running the party, the club, or even the festival. We teach not only the tools, but the art and performance of the DJ set.

Collaborate and Engage

Slam Academy is a community. While in this class, you will meet your next great collaborative partner, someone to share the stage with, or even your new best friend.

Find Your Sound

Get ready to be exposed to more music than you ever thought was possible. When you come out of this class, you will have a deep understanding of the sound you are looking for, and how to get it.

Get Gigs

We aren't just focused on making the best tracks. We want you to be publishing and selling those tracks as well. Be ready to finish this program with everything you need to start working professionally.

The 12 weeks of the DJ I Program teaches you everything you need to know to rock the DJ booth with any style of music. Learn to DJ on turntables, CDJs, and computers with software like Virtual DJ. Taught by Minneapolis’ most experienced DJs.

DJ I Curriculum

  • 1: Turntables, Beatmatching, and Mixing with EQ

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    In the first level of the DJ I program, we will begin by learning the history of DJing and where it all began. We will learn together, how turntable-ism was first used, and how it has evolved today. We will observe classic DJ techniques, and get a feel for the fundamental tools used in the DJ booth. Each student will get a hands-on feel for the analog turntable, DJ mixer, and prepare for dropping their first beat. We will explore the various beat structures of popular genres, and learn the ins and outs of mixing tunes together and why.

  • 2: CDJs, Controllers, and Software

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    We will be focusing our efforts on “hands-on” time in the booth. Preparing for our first sets, each student will have time working the turntables with the instructor’s guidance, preparing their tracks and getting a feel for beat matching and really touching the music. Once everyone can lay down a short set of beat matched material, keeping things flowing, we finish our time with the vinyl turntable and look to the digital age of CDJs and Traktor.

  • 3: Advanced Mixing, Scratching, and Using FX

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    We explore “DVS” systems, such as Traktor and Serato. Hear we can apply what we already know about signal flow in the DJ booth, the DJ mixer and turntable, EQ and effects, all to an entirely virtual system. Connect a MIDI controller to your laptop and evoke the same feel as a DJ in an expensive CDJ/Turntable DJ booth! Learn the ins and outs of Traktor, and get in some hands-on time with the instructor, playing your own tunes on these systems. The goal here is to be able to speak the language of the DJ, regardless of the type of playback technology in the mix.

Testimonals

  • For people like me, who care about creating amazing music more than just about anything else in their lives, Slam Academy is that secret sauce that you've always wanted, but never knew you needed. A place that people who truly want to become experts at music production can call home. Not only will you be given all the tools and techniques you need to make dope music, but you will be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals that you just can't help but get better.

    Andy Hobday

    Ableton Live, Sound Design, and Mixing & Mastering Programs

  • I've learned a s***load from the videos on the website and the interactive sessions are great! I guess it would take me years of fiddling to find out some of the stuff - it's really helpful. You've touched on a lot of stuff where I get stuck in production, I feel this is gonna explode my workflow. Just wanted to say a million thanks, looking forward to the next class!

    Stefan Dili

    Sound Design Online Program

  • Bionik's [Instructor Stefon Taylor's] theories on creativity and songwriting have affected my work and I feel that I have "upgraded" as a musician because of them.  The other students in the class ranged from little studio knowledge to accomplished musician and I know everyone was able to connect, engage, and ultimately develop a solid mental concept for how to approach recording.

    Jason Soderlund

    Ableton Live, Sound Design, Recording Arts, and Producer Programs

  • It has not only given me the skill to confidently use Ableton, along the way, my ears have been developing, I\'ve also learned about music theory, audio physics, synthesis, electronic music history and other mind-blowing subjects, and of course, I\'ve learned how music is produced with the highest quality standards. In just 6 months I got from feeling lost within the software to move around it like only I had seen pro\'s doing it.

    Victor Hernandez

    Ableton Live Online Program

  • I would like to express what a profoundly constructive, transformative force Slam Academy has been for my life to this point. Slam and its staff have provided me with the tools of the trade, several skilled pairs of guiding hands in the process of learning to use them, and myriad opportunities for creative exchange and collaboration. More fundamentally, you have shared your temple with me and given me a place to call home.

    Richard Shallbetter

    Ableton Live, Recording Arts, and Producer Programs

  • Slam Academy really made it real for me, and I wouldn't be there without the things you showed me...you really helped me step it up to the next level.  Just wanted you to know that I appreciate you and what you did for me.

    Brian Zifko

    Ableton Live Online Program
Join the DJ I Program (Minneapolis) Now

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