How To Start DJing and Get DJ Gigs

How To Start DJing and get DJ Gigs

Are you thinking about learning how to DJ but are unsure where to start? If you want to know how to start DJing we've got all the answers for you in this handy step-by-step guide. Many people who have a passion for music want to turn their love into a career. Learning how to DJ can give you a second income and is one of the most fun things to do with your spare time. Name another job where you get to party at the office?!

So where do you start if you want to become a DJ?

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DJ Course graduate Dayane performing to a packed audience at Ministry of Sound

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Step One - Learn how to DJ

The first step is learning how to DJ properly. There are many ways you can do this but one of the best ways is one-to-one from a DJ mentor who is already working in the music industry. Learning one-to-one means you'll learn quickly, in details and ultimately save time and money. That's why at DJ Gym and London Sound Academy we offer one-to-one DJ courses. We think it's the best way to learn. It's especially good because you can learn with your own style of music and choose your own DJ tutor.

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Learn one-to-one in cutting edge studios!

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Specialist turntablist tutor Olmo on the Rane Serato DJ set up

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There are so many genres of music so it's important that your DJ tutor knows how to mix multiple genres. With our DJ courses you can also choose your lesson times, lessons are available seven days a week in our London, Manchester and Birmingham studios. If you can't make it to our studios you can learn online over Zoom with our qualified DJ instructors. All you need at home is a small DJ controller like the Pioneer DDJ 400. Click here to contact us to find out more about our DJ courses in the UK or online.

Click here is you're interested to know what the best DJ equipment setups are for beginner DJs.

Step Three - Practice

Practice, practice, practice. Once you have learnt the skills, you'll want to practice them. Luckily nowadays you have many options, from hiring a DJ studio with the latest club-standard DJ equipment to buying DJ equipment to use at home. We have DJ studios for hire in all our locations. Chat with your tutor about the options or call us on 02035904429. Remember, our students get access to cheaper Pioneer DJ equipment too!

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Step Three - Find DJ Gigs

After you learn how to DJ you'll want to get advice on how to promote yourself and how to find DJ gigs. Luckily, we organise DJ gigs for all our DJ course graduates so that they can gain DJ experience, network and set themselves up as DJs. We are the only academy to do this! We organise DJ gigs in the UK including at the UK's most famous venue, Ministry of Sound. In addition, we organise gigs at many other bars, venues and clubs. DJ course graduates can also DJ on our multiple radio shows.

The jewel in the crown of our DJ gig calendar in our annual Ibiza DJ Tour where we make your DJ dreams come true by organising gigs in Ibiza, the most famous party island! During one crazy week our DJs will take over the island playing in super clubs, boat parties and pool parties!

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DJ at Amnesia in Ibiza on the annual Ibiza DJ Tour

Learn how to DJ and perform in Ibiza! Join our DJ Course.

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Step Four - Promote Yourself

Now that you've learnt the skills and you've got the experience it's time to find more DJ work and set yourself up as an independent artist. Social media is one of the biggest tools to help you establish a fan base so make sure you get to grips with the latest apps to help you progress.

Click here for help on how DJs manage their social media marketing

Step Five - Learn how to produce

Are you ready to take on the world? The biggest paid headline DJs are also producers. Now is the time for you to learn how to produce your own remixes and original tracks. If you release popular music you can gain international followers in the millions and launch yourself into the stratosphere of the DJ industry. If you want to headline clubs and music festivals you have to be producing! Alongside DJ courses we also offer music production courses that will help you learn how to produce music and prepare you for releasing your first track.

Click here to learn more about music production

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Students from DJ Gym and LSA have release music on all the major record labels

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Can't make it to our studios?

If you can't make it to our studios in London, Manchester or Birmingham you can simply learn how to DJ online over Zoom with a basic DJ controller like the Pioneer DDJ 400.