QTBPM - An intro to DJing workshop

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Dispel the mystery surrounding what actually goes on behind a DJ booth. Join local artist JOB for a three-part workshop focusing on techniques and approaches to becoming a disk jockey. Each session, we’ll walk through demonstrations of skills applicable to the vast world of DJing—from choosing the best software to learning to set up a stage and playing on real CDJs. People of all skill levels will have the chance to apply and personalize material covered for their own artistic journeys. Beginner DJs will learn the basics of beat-matching and transitions, while those familiar with DJing concepts will have the opportunity to learn new methods and practice on club gear. Each day will cover one or two theoretical concepts, with at least one hands-on technique/activity per workshop day applicable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced DJs interested in building up their expertise. By the end of this skillshare, DJs will have a concrete foundation of technical basics, a shared vocabulary of “industry” terms, a group of queer and trans DJs to collaborate with, and the opportunity to record a mix or perform a live set.

“SYLLABUS” AT A GLANCE

This course includes three total sessions, each lasting for 1.5 hours on June 6th, 13th, and 20th and the opportunity to play a set at Below Decks on June 29th.

Session 1 (Tuesday, 6/6/2023, 6:30–8 PM ET) Setting the Stage: What even is DJing? A brief history of DJing, creating a shared vocabulary, the simplified structure of a song, and a brief overview of Serato, Rekordbox, and Virtual DJ.

Session 2 (Tuesday, 6/13/2023, 6:30–8 PM ET): On the Decks: Identifying the typical functions of a controller/mixer, the basics of beatmatching, blending, and transitions, putting together a set

Session 3 (Tuesday, 6/20/2023, 6:30–8 PM ET): Loading out: working with sound techs, setting up your gear, and unraveling the mystery of CDJs.

BETWEEN SESSIONS

Collaborators will be encouraged to practice applying concepts with their own gear and develop their personal style based on their relationship to music and genres of interest. Music appreciators will be encouraged to research producers and DJs who play music relevant to their areas of interest.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This workshop series is designed so queer and trans folks can have a safer environment to learn together, share skills, and have fun exploring a hobby typically gatekept and mystified by cis straight white people. Sessions will take place in person once a week at The Fruit and masks will be required. The workshop will culminate in the opportunity for a live set, or assistance in recording a mix.

While there are facilitators guiding the structure of each session it is important to remember that each participant brings a particular set of skills and knowledge that is valuable to share, regardless of perceived skill level or experience. Delivery of instruction will include hands-on experience with gear, group brainstorming and discussions, and time for personal exploration.

COURSE MATERIALS

We highly recommend attending with the best wired headphones (or earbuds) you have access to, a computer with their preferred DJ software (course will cover basic functions of Rekordbox, Serato, and Virtual DJ), and a small library of music to practice DJing with. If you have a DDJ/controller/gear you play on already, feel free to bring it to share the different kinds of setups with others!

Each of the demonstrations will utilize different software and setups, but there’s no need to buy anything for the course—unless you’re inspired to! For curious DJs, there should be enough crossover with similar controllers that with a small amount of imagination everything can be modified to fit your setup.

PRICING OPTIONS

This workshop was imagined to be free for Black queer and trans people, but anyone with the resources is welcome to donate. All proceeds from this course help offset costs for other residency events, and help compensate for time spent planning, prepping, and facilitating for JOB and all other artists collaborating on the Fruit Residency.

Host or Publisher JOB