Learning to DJ is an important part of your journey if you intend to produce and perform electronic music. We developed this free online DJ class to help get you started the right way.
We’re sharing the first three of ten sections of the class free here on our blog. The entire series has over 2 hours of video content and covers mixing with Pioneer Nexus 2000 CDJ’s, beat-matching, using the Allen & Heath Xone 92 mixer, Digital DJ’ing with Native Instrument’s Traktor, beat slicing, working with EDM song structures, MIDI controllers and effects, as well as the art and philosophy of DJing.
Parts 1 & 2 are below – of course you may have already watched them on Youtube which have already helped hundreds of thousands of new DJs learn the ropes.
If you want to watch the entire series FOR FREE we’re asking that you come join our new online community, where we’ll be sharing lot’s of new content and classes coming very soon!
Class Intro By Will Marshall
DJ Fundamentals
Video Lessons 1 and 2 :
DJ Video Lessons 3-10
To access the rest of this course, click below to join our new online community!
The Entire Class Includes:
Lesson 3: Mixers
In this lesson, you’ll learn about the Xone 92 mixer including:
Gain controls (4:18)
EQ functions (6:45)
Crossfaders (12:47)
Cue buttons and faders (15:48)
Master, booth and cue controls (24:40)
Mixer routing and signal flow (31:31)
Lesson 4: Intro to Native Instruments Traktor Pro
In this lesson, you’ll explore Traktor, it’s layout and functions including:
The Traktor Interface Overview (3:10)
The browser Section (6:29)
The Deck Controls (12:00)
Hot Cues (18:27)
Global Section (22:26)
Mixer Section (25:38)
Lesson 5: Using Hardware with Traktor
In this lesson, you’ll connect Traktor to hardware including:
Configuring CDJ’s With Traktor (2:48)
Traktor Preferences (6:37)
Controlling Traktor With CDJ 2000s (8:47)
Creating a Basic 4 Deck Setup Using the Kontrol X1 (19:00)
Using Kontrol F1 and S4 with Traktor (26:18)
Lesson 6: Beat Slicing and Grid
In this lesson, we’ll begin to explore ways to work with tracks in the grid and beat slicing:
The Beat Grid (0:43)
Aligning a Track to Traktor’s Beat Grid (2:54)
Track Syncing in Traktor (7:16)
Quantize and Snap Controls (13:47)
Preparation Workflow (17:19)
Lesson 7: Song Structure and Phrasing
In this lesson, you’ll learn about song form and genre including:
1:26 – Walk through of Bad Tango’s Alignment.
16:32 – Mixing Using Phrasing
22:25 – Genres and song structure
Lesson 8: Traktor and Effects
In this lesson, you’ll explore Traktor, it’s layout and functions including:
0:57 – Overview of Traktor Effects
1:35 – Effects Preferences
6:46 – Effect Types
12:24 – Pre vs Post Fader Effects
Lesson 9: MIDI Controllers
In this lesson, you’ll learn about integrating MIDI controllers to your set:
Controller Manager – 1:17
Slip/Flux Mode – 3:05
Flux Mode Custom Mapping – 5:49
Mapping Filter Controls to Knobs/Buttons – 13:00
Setting Up FX Presets – 15:09
Conclusion – 17:40
Lesson 10 (part I): The Business Of Gigging
In this lesson, you’ll learn:
Creating a DJ Set – 5:35
Stage Presence – 21:47
The Art of the Opening DJ – 28:26
Promotion and Booking – 36:03
Part II
Choose a Narrative – 4:25
Online Promotion – 7:26
Websites – 11:43
Getting Paid – 13:52
How Much to Charge – 18:48
Watch Yourself – 29:28
