DJ basics - learn how to DJ (5-week course)

Eligible: Residents of London aged 19+

Overall Course Goal: Participants will gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in DJing, enabling them to confidently mix and blend tracks, understand basic DJ equipment, and develop a basic understanding of music selection. This course aims to improve skills for progressing to further learning and/or improve skills for work, while also potentially increasing confidence and improving mental health and well-being.

Week 1: Introduction to DJing and Equipment (2 hours)

Identify and describe the function of essential DJ equipment (turntables, CDJs, mixer, headphones).

Understand basic audio concepts like gain, EQ, and basic signal flow.

Connect and set up a basic DJ system (demonstration and student participation).

Demonstrate proper headphone cueing technique.

Outcome (Increased Confidence/Improved Skills for Further Learning): Students will demonstrate increased confidence in handling DJ equipment and understanding basic audio principles, laying the groundwork for further learning. They will be able to identify and connect basic DJ equipment.

Week 2: Beatmatching Basics (2 hours)

Define beatmatching and its importance in mixing.

Manually adjust the pitch of two tracks to synchronize their tempos (BPM).

Visually identify beat patterns and downbeats.

Practice beatmatching using only the pitch fader.

Outcome (Improved Skills for Further Learning): Students will demonstrate improved skills in manually beatmatching two tracks, a crucial skill for DJing and a foundation for more complex mixing.

Week 3: Basic Mixing Techniques (2 hours)

Perform smooth transitions between two tracks using the crossfader and volume faders.

Understand and utilize basic mixing techniques like cutting and blending.

Practice mixing with different musical genres (provided by instructor).

Identify suitable transition points in tracks.

Outcome (Improved Skills for Further Learning/Improved Skills for Work): Students will demonstrate improved skills in performing basic transitions between tracks using faders, a core skill for creating seamless mixes. This skill is transferable to various performance and creative contexts.

Week 4: Understanding Music Structure and Phrasing & Intro to Music Selection (2 hours)

Identify musical phrases (e.g., 8, 16, 32 bars) and their importance in mixing.

Understand basic track structure (intro, verse, chorus, etc.).

Begin to think about how music selection impacts a DJ set.

Start exploring different genres and how they might be mixed.

Outcome (Improved Skills for Further Learning/Increased Confidence): Students will demonstrate improved understanding of musical phrasing and its relation to mixing, and begin to explore music selection. This demonstrates an increased understanding of music theory applied to DJing, increasing confidence in their ability to select and mix music.

Week 5: Practical Application and Knowledge Demonstration & Certificate Ceremony (2 hours)

• Practical Application: Students will work through various mixing scenarios presented by the instructor, demonstrating their understanding of beatmatching, mixing techniques, and music phrasing. This will be a hands-on session with guided practice and feedback, not a performance.
• Knowledge Demonstration: A short, informal Q&A session to assess understanding of key concepts and address any remaining questions.
• Certificate ceremony: Presentation of certificates of completion. Celebration of achievements.
• Outcome (Improved Skills for Further Learning/Improved Skills for Work/Increased Confidence/Improved Mental Health and Well-being): Students will demonstrate their practical understanding of mixing skills and knowledge of DJing concepts in a low-pressure environment. This hands-on application reinforces learning, builds confidence, and can contribute to a sense of accomplishment and well-being. The certificate of completion further solidifies this achievement. The Q&A session reinforces knowledge, preparing students for further learning or work in related fields.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

All who book on Eventbrite will receive the enrolment form from the tutor - YOU MUST RETURN THE FILLED ENROLMENT FORM TO CONFIRM YOUR PLACE (!)

The course will be presented in five 2-hour sessions and will take place in Kensington Central Library.

Eligible: Full UK /Residents of London aged 19+ (Priority will be given to RBKC residents).

You can have only ONE of these GLA-funded courses free per academic year.

You can sign up to the whole course only. Please book only if you can attend all five sessions.

DATES:

Monday 16 June 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Monday 23 June 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Monday 30 June 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Monday 07 July 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Monday 14 July 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Please note - we have only 10 spaces on this course, so book early! Please also note you can have just one of these free courses per academic year.

Contact libraries@rbkc.gov.uk if you have any queries about booking.

ABOUT THE TUTOR:

South London DJ Tendai, known as Petite Deejay, specialises in Deep, Soulful, Afro, and South African House music, performing at top venues like The Hilton Park Lane, Zimfest Festival, and regular spots across Shoreditch, Brixton, and The City. As the resident DJ for South Africa Tourism UK, she educates audiences through her sets, blending traditional Zulu sounds, 90s Kwaito, and modern South African House.

Tendai has hosted global radio shows, interviewed South African artists, and amassed over 250,000 listens on her mixes. With a background in music performance and DJ training, she transitioned from raving and talent shows to mastering the decks in 2007. Her career includes collaborations with industry giants like Black Coffee and Louie Vega, as well as prime-time slots on underground and digital radio. Now, she runs DJ classes under @InspiringDJs, mentoring aspiring and established DJs in both technique and branding, helping them secure bookings, residencies, and radio features worldwide.