Where to learn to DJ in Southampton
Are you keen to discover how to mix and fade like a pro?
Find out how to where to learn to DJ in Southampton if you want to know how to be a DJ on the south coast and beyond. As an in-demand skill, it can earn you a good living (in clubs or at events) and even celebrity status if your career really takes off.
Read on to find out how you can become the next Calvin Harris, Charlotte de Witte, Carl Cox or Jamie Jones.
First, let’s clarify what we mean by the term DJ. There are a number of different incarnations of the role and they broadly break down to:
- DJ’s who plays at clubs and events geared to a crowd in generations from millennials onwards; usually contemporary dance music and often using original mixes.
- DJ’s who play at mainstream events like weddings and kids’ parties; usually playing cross-generational classic party hits, requests, floor fillers from across the eras – songs will be played right through with some fading/mixing between tracks.
- DJ’s who host radio shows; mainstream programmes and volunteer radio stations, playing/fading tracks fitting the audience demographic.
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Click above to book an one to one DJ lesson now or for more information call us on 023 8065 8373 or email us on reception@recordingstudiosouthampton.co.uk
You’ll probably already know which you want to be – and it may be a mix of a couple of the roles. This will help you to identify which of the options we’ll present, will best suit you.
Where can I study to become a DJ?
While you most certainly don’t need a degree to become a DJ, some courses will cover the skill as a part of their course.
Solent University
If you’re planning to go to uni and want a BA (Hons) qualification, Solent University has a Digital Music option. You’ll cover genres and styles like Drum & Bass, House, Hip-Hop, Grime, EDM and Techno, and learn from industry professionals including working DJs. The course interrogates how DJ culture relates to the music industry as a whole and covers digital manipulation and mixing.
How do I get started as a DJ?
Once you’ve learned the basics and started to get into your groove as an upcoming DJ, you can begin by contacting local pubs and clubs and requesting a small set. Networking, as with anything in the industry, is really helpful. So go to club nights, get to know other DJs and stay ahead of trends.
Recording studios are a great place for DJs to start, whether you’re ready to commit your new work to vinyl, or as a place to pick up some skills. Especially if you’re interested in the more technical aspects of the trade.
How to be a DJ
The highest-paid DJ in the world, Calvin Harris, began by recording demos in his bedroom as a young teen. A big part of getting good is learning on the job, trying out your stuff in front of people and experimenting to find your sound. Good mentors and courses can help guide you through that and provide some shortcuts to tech know-how. Although do be careful before parting with any money. Be sure that you’re learning somewhere with a good reputation, the latest equipment and real industry links.
You’ll need both hardware and software to DJ. Once you have some of your own, you’ll be able to play around with what you can do as an artist. This will be the foundation of your learning and to get the most out of a course or tuition, it’s a good idea to have an idea of what type of DJing you want to do, the music you aspire to and where you’d ideally like to play. You’ll also need to decide whether you’ll use a laptop, USB, vinyl, or a popular newer option, Digital Vinyl Systems (DVS). Some DJs have CDs, but it’s inadvisable for those starting out to work with this medium.
If you’re interested in learning music production rather than DJing specifically, you can check out our recent article on how to become a music producer.
Related Questions
What qualifications do you need to be a DJ?
None. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get some. Qualifications may help you in other areas of life. If however, you’re not academic or interested in getting letters after your name, opt for a vocational course, or learn on the job.
How much is DJ training?
This depends on the course you choose (see individual websites for details). Alternatively, you may want one-on-one tutoring, which can vary from around £20 per hour upwards.
DJ classes near me in Southampton
click here to Book a DJ lesson lesson now
Click above to book an one to one DJ lesson now or for more information call us on 023 8065 8373 or email us on reception@recordingstudiosouthampton.co.uk
We also offer singing lessons for beginners, music production lessons & drum lessons at River Studios.