DJ Curriculum

• 1: Turntables, Beatmatching, and Mixing with EQ

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  In the first level of the DJ 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.