In Depth Beginner Serato DJ Course

This section is all about you as a DJ - there are many different types of DJ so we are looking at what you would like to get out of DJing.  It also encourages you to do some of your own research (looking at other DJ's as well as going out and listening to them) 

A closer look at the Technics 1210's

A look at the Rane 62 mixer which includes:

• Crossfader
• Upfader
• Frequencies
• Gain/Trim
• Connections

The importance of getting the correct mixer for Serato compatibility

A closer look at the Beatmix Reloop controller

• Functions
• Cues
• Sync
• Crossfader
• Upfader
• Frequencies

The importance of getting the correct controller and doing research

A look at setting up DJ equipment using a mixer

A closer look at the Serato interface - going through the help function, how to check for updates, the set up screens, analysing your files, using the history function, cues and loops.  A great all round introduction for newcomers to Serato! 

A look at the setup screen for turntables - which looks very different to digital controllers. Looking at the different signs that need troubleshooting and how to learn what each symbol means.  

This lecture looks at counting beats and bars and gives an introduction to how music is structured.  Also explains why learning the structure of music is important and how it can help your mixes sound amazing.  The handout explains some more detailed theory that can be used as a springboard for further learning.

Counting bars in tracks with very different tempos - how to keep counting in time with the music. 

• How to count bars in tracks with different tempos
• Why it is important to do
• Staying in time with the music

Also includes an activity handout 

A closer look at beat structure, how a track is built up, different instruments, markers to listen out for, and an activity that helps to break down tracks bar by bar. A great way to immerse yourself in the structure and arrangement of music.   

A look at drop mixing - a handy tool for teasing mixes or just dropping a track in time when you are unable to beatmatch.  This is a basic requirement for any DJ, so if you aren't quite ready with your beatmatching, drop mixing is your 'go to'. 

• How to drop mix
• Tracks to use
• When to use it
• Doing it correctly

A closer look at Serato cue points which includes:

• How to use cues
• Where to place cues
• Why you should use cues
• Naming cues 

Also includes some tips to follow!

This lecture looks at loops and beat jumps.  It covers the following:

• What are loops?
• How to create loops
• Using automatic loops
• Saving loops
• Using beatjumps
• Timing of loops and beatjumps
• How to use loops and jumps

As with loops and beatjumps but looks at setting loops manually.

An introduction to beatmatching.  This lecture explains:

• beatmatching 
• how to do it
• why it is done 
• why you should know how to do it  

It also gives a demonstration and an easy to follow exercise that you can do.

This covers beatmatching as a transferable skill and includes:

• beatmatching other genres
• points to consider 
• cueing your track on time
• exercise 

Easy to follow exercises that will help you get your mix right

This section looks at how to fix your mix and includes:

• what a bad mix sounds like
• how to adjust your mix
• using the pitch control correctly
• beatmatching by ear

Exercises to follow that will help you to correct and adjust your mixes

This lecture helps you to finish your mix and includes:

• a technique to complete your mix
• adjusting frequencies

An easy to follow demonstration and exercise to help you complete your mix.  It also helps you to think about mixing for your particular genre

How to create Playlists in Serato as well as looking at features such as:

• Track organisation
• Tempo organisation
• Colour coding

Also looks at warm up and main sets and keeping your library well stocked

Building crates in Serato covers:

• How to build crates
• Deleting crates
• Subcrates
• Why you should use crates

Also shows you where to find the crates stored in your laptop