The Complete House & Techno DJ Course: Beginner/Intermediate

In this lecture you will gain an artistic appreciation for where and why the DJ is so important in the modern day world

A short overview of the lesson on DJ hardware and what we will explore.

In this lecture, we focus on exploring the industry standard Pioneer DJ CDJ. Specifically, this model is Pioneer XDJ 1000 MK2, a digitally focused DJ. We identify key features and what their functions are at a high level.

We focus on identifying the long lost art of the turn table. Specifically, this model is Stanton T.62 a beginner and budget friendly turn table. We identify key features and what their use are at a high level.

We focus on the latest growing category of DJ equipment the DJ Controller. Specifically, this model is the Pioneer DDJ-400, we also briefly look at Rekordbox

We explore the DJ mixer, a considerable tool for the modern DJ. Specifically, this model is the Pioneer DJM 750MK2 a four channel mixer.

Let's understand the purpose of DJ headphones at a high level. These models are the Audio Technica MTX50.

Let's just review some of what we've covered from the hardware side before we move forward in the module!

A quick introduction to the topic of DJ software. We will explore 5 pieces of free to use DJ software

We explore Native Instrument's Traktor DJ 2, a flagship piece of free DJ software distributed by the Germany company Native Instruments.

We explore the digital DJ darling Virtual DJ,  a serious contender in the digital DJ software landscape.

We examine Pioneer's flagship library management and DJ performance software Rekordbox. By the end of the lesson you'll get a basic feel for the Rekordbox software to help you explore the software yourself.

We examine the primary open source DJ performance software Mixxx. By the end of the lesson you'll get a basic feel for Mixxx to assist you in exploring the software further.

We explore Djay Pro an excellent software option for DJing, boasting a wide array of features and impressive flexibility for your sets.

In our lesson, we explored five DJ software options: Traktor, Mixxx, Djay Pro, Rekordbox, and Virtual DJ. Each offers unique features catering to DJs of different skill levels and preferences. While Traktor impresses with its professional-grade performance capabilities, Mixxx stands out as a free and open-source alternative with comprehensive functionality. Djay Pro integrates seamlessly with Apple devices, offering innovative features like AI-powered mixing. Rekordbox is favored by professionals for its comprehensive suite of tools and seamless hardware integration, while Virtual DJ's versatility and extensive feature set make it suitable for DJs of all levels. Students can download and try any of these software options via the links provided on our website, ensuring they find the best fit for their DJing needs.

Just a quick introduction to introduce our next focus on music media formats for DJs, covering vinyl, CDs, streaming, digital versus analog, and the differences between MP3 and WAV files.

In this lecture on Vinyl, we delve into the fundamental components of vinyl records: the grooves and stylus. We discuss the crucial role of the stylus in tracking these grooves and translating them into audible music. Understanding the intricate relationship between the two highlights the timeless appeal and unique sonic characteristics of vinyl records.

In this lecture on CDs, we focus on the main ideas for compact discs: digital encoding and laser reading mechanism. Exploring how sound is stored as digital data on the disc's surface and read by a laser beam, we discuss the significance changing music storage and playback.

In this lecture we compare analog and digital technologies, highlighting their differences across four pillars:

1. Signal processing

2. Fidelity

3. Representation of sound

4. Storage.

Analog processes continuous signals directly, offering warmth, while digital discretizes signals for precision. Analog represents sound as waveforms, digital as samples. Analog often uses physical media, like vinyl, for storage, while digital relies on digital formats.

We compare MP3 and WAV formats: MP3 uses lossy compression for smaller files sacrificing some quality, while WAV maintains uncompressed, high-fidelity audio. MP3 discards less audible frequencies based on psychoacoustic principles, while WAV preserves the entire audio spectrum. MP3 files are smaller and suitable for storage/streaming, while WAV offers uncompromised audio quality. This overview helps students discern which format suits their needs best.

In this lecture on streaming we look at playing files from a hard drive vs. streaming on an application, we examine their differences in terms of data delivery, storage, and real-time playback. Streaming involves data being delivered continuously over a network, enabling instant playback without requiring storage space on the device. In contrast, playing files from a hard drive involves accessing pre-stored data directly, necessitating sufficient storage capacity. While streaming offers  access to large amounts of content, it relies on a stable internet connection, whereas playing files locally ensures consistent playback but requires sufficient storage space. Understanding these distinctions provides students with insights into the practical aspects of content delivery and playback in digital media consumption.

Welcome to our quick lesson on DJ setup! This is an optional lesson that just helps you see how various DJ setups are hooked up.

A short lesson on exploring how CDJs are hooked up to a DJ mixer and your monitors.

A short lesson on exploring how to connect your turn table hooked up to a DJ mixer and your monitors.

A short lesson on exploring how to connect your DJ controller to an external DJ mixer or directly to your monitors.

Prepare to explore and differentiate between producers and DJs! Both roles are integral to the music world but require different skill sets - what is the difference? Let's dive in!

In this lecture, we focus on the role of producers compared to DJs, focusing on music creation with Ableton Live. We'll explore how producers use samples and loops to craft tracks, highlighting their skills in composition and sound design.

In this lecture, we focus on the role of the DJs compared to the producers. We'll explore how DJs differ from producers focused on playing recorded music and building a library to mix tracks seamlessly, showcasing their expertise in live performance. Unlike producers who craft music in the studio, DJs excel in energizing audiences and creating unforgettable experiences on the dance floor.

In module 2 we focus on fundamental DJ skills! We'll delve into the essential techniques that every aspiring DJ needs to master. From beatmatching to EQ control, phrasing, and understanding song structure, we'll cover all the crucial elements that form the foundation of DJing.

In this lecture we explore the basics of tempo, or the speed of a piece of music, and how it impacts the overall feel and energy of a track. We'll compare two tracks at different tempos, allowing you to experience firsthand how tempo influences the mood and vibe of a song. By examining the relationship between tempo and groove, we'll uncover how faster tempos can create a sense of urgency and excitement, while slower tempos often evoke a more relaxed and contemplative atmosphere.

In this lecture we explore high level of musical key. We compare tracks in different keys to understand how key affects the overall feel of a piece of music. By exploring the relationship between keys and mood, we'll discover how certain keys can evoke specific emotions or atmospheres.

In this lecture we focus on basics of the "four-on-the-floor" rhythm! This foundational beat pattern is a cornerstone of many electronic genres. We'll dissect this rhythm, which consists of a bass drum hitting on every beat in a 4/4 time signature and understand this history of where it comes from.

In this lecture we focus on beats and bars - understanding what beats are and how to count bars; why bars are essential to DJing. Beats represent the underlying pulse or rhythm of a piece of music, while bars (also known as measures) group beats into regular patterns. Specifically, we'll examine the common 4/4 time signature, where each bar contains four beats.

In this video we cover the theory of beat matching with the common "highway analogy" matching tempos and beats. We then show several in depth examples to assist you in learning this skill.

In this lesson, we're diving into the world of automated beat matching or "Sync" as it is sometimes known! Using the XDJs to demonstrate, you will see how modern DJ hardware provides options for automated beat matching, we will also talk about some of the controversy with it.

(optional) We examine the nuances and differences involved with vinyl beat matching in this lecture. Gain a deeper understanding of the tactile experience and unique challenges involved in aligning beats on vinyl decks, to enrich your DJing skills with a hands-on approach. You don't need to have or be a turntable DJ to watch this video but it can give you a greater appreciation of the original craft.

A quick intro to the topic of Song Structure & Phrasing and why its important in electronic music. In the upcoming lessons we'll explore the foundational elements that shape tracks and how DJs use them.

We delve into the theoretical aspects of song structure in electronic music in this lesson - exploring concepts such as choruses, verses, breaks, and buildups. Using these insights we will have a better appreciation for the  framework that drives musical compositions.

This lecture takes the theoretical knowledge gained previously into practical analysis as we dissect the track "Samba on 1" in a critical listening session. We will identify structural elements within songs, and how producers can sometimes deviate from the 2&2 pattern.

This lecture takes a theoretical view of phrasing to understand its significance in DJing. You will gain a deeper understanding of how phrasing influences track selection, transitions, and overall mix coherence; understanding this, you will have a greater ability to identify why certain transitions in the past you might have made "did not work" or "sound good".

We will witness some principles of phrasing come to life on the DJ decks in this interactive session. Specifically, we'll use counting bars to identify phrases and how it can help us identify opportunities for more fluid transitions.

In this lesson we will talk about cueing, and differentiate between cueing on the headphones versus on the media player stay tuned for the next lectures.

Let's explore the art of cueing in the headphones and mixer in this practical session. Cueing in the headphones is a essential skill to understand as it is the primary way that we beatmatch tracks.

In this lecture we turn to the media player to demystify cue points. Specifically we will talk about the difference between in-memory and persisted (or hot cue) points, how these features to streamline your workflow and enhance your performances.

This lecture will focus on the concept of equalization with a comprehensive studio demonstration. We will understand where in the frequency spectrum instruments in electronic music play, and how manipulating their equalization in a track effects the audible sound.

Taking the previous theory we've learned into practice, you learn to wield the 3-band EQ on DJ decks in this hands-on session. Master the art of shaping your sound and creating smooth transitions between tracks.

You will learn some essential knowledge about volume management  and how to prevent clipping in this practical lesson. Understand the differences between gain/trim knobs and volume faders

This lecture focuses on understanding the art of the blending transition - a subtle and sometime under-appreciated yet critical transition - theoretically.

In this lesson we put theory into practice by jumping on the DJ decks and performing some basic blended transitions between our course tracks.

This lecture delves into the theory behind cutting transitions and how creating sharp, impactful transitions can energize your mixes.

In this lesson we practically apply the cut transition to get a sense for why it takes commitment and confidence to perform one.

In this lecture we explore the theory behind overlay transitions and how a basic 4-16 bar overlay can enhance your mix and creativity.

Through this practice lesson we examine an overlay transition using two course tracks to see how it opens new creative opportunities in our DJ mix.

Using the knowledge of EQ in the previous module, we learn how to use EQ to enhance mixes - remember that EQ can be used to sculpt your sound, create space and smooth transitions between tracks.

We introduce the next lesson topic on mix placement: answering the when and where to perform a transition.

In this lecture we examine in theory the concept of an intro-outro mix. Though simple, this type of mix placement is an essential tool in the DJ repertoire.

We take the theory behind intro-outro mix placement and apply it in practice using our course resource tracks!

In this lecture we explore the theory behind structured mix placement and how it can impact on your DJ sets. Using a structured mix placement can tighten up your mixing but depends on skills like bar counting & phrases, as well as knowing your music in depth!!

Witness structured mix placement in action on the decks in this practical session. Learn how to craft your placements and time them accordingly to tightly transition between one track to the next.

We touch briefly at a high level on this special type of placement known as the melodic blend. This placement relies heavily on track structure, knowledge and prior understanding of structured mixing placement.

Here we identify some common mix placements to avoid. These three placements in specific often trip up beginner and experienced DJs alike!

Learn from your mistakes! In this lecture we examine a demonstration of one of the mix placements to avoid: the anti-climax.

Welcome to this next topic introduction on DJ effects!

Rather than just clicking the ON/OFF button and saying "it sounds different", let's dive into what effects are. This lecture provides a high level description of effects and how they change input signal using several examples in Ableton studio session. We then explore the concept of DRY-WET and how that is used with respect to DJs.

A final word and expansion on the concept of DRY-WET with three additional examples to help solidify your understanding.

In this lecture we dive into one of the mainstay effects in audio production and DJing: reverb. We will explore the parameters and usage of reverb to create depth and atmosphere in your mixes.

See reverb effects in action on the DJ mixer as we demonstrate practical techniques; additionally learn to apply reverb tastefully to enhance the ambiance, create space and texture of your mix.

In this lecture we provide a high level overview of the echo & delay effects. We learn about their common parameters and explore them in Ableton.

Theory aside, we get visibility in this practical demonstration of how to use echo & delay on the DJ decks in addition to seeing their possibilities for transition enhancement.

It turns out there's more to filters than meets the knob! In this theoretical lecture, we explore high and low pass filters using an explain-like-I-am-5 analog; get ready to ride the roller coster!

Understanding how filters work, we apply them in this demo lecture practically as well as get two different demonstrations of transitions using a high and then low pass filter.

In this practical lecture we demonstrate the cut and tease technique.

In this practical lecture we demonstrate the fakeout technique.

In this practical lecture we demonstrate the mashup technique.

Welcome to the introduction for module 4 advanced dj topics!

In this theoretical lecture, we explore the basic building blocks of electronic music: samples and loops. We will understand the essence of samples using the Ableton Live music production software.

With an understanding of loops theoretically, we explore how we can create and set loops on the CDJs, as well as their use in re-adjusting our phrasing and adding performance elements.

In this lecture, we explore the concept of mix-rate and how varying your rate of track inclusion can change the perception of your set.

In this lesson we introduce the next topic: reading the crowd.

In this lecture, we explore the anatomy of a dance floor it's composition in ratios of people who want to have fun and maybe... don't - and why being aware of this is a key to avoiding DJ booth woes!

This lecture focuses on 3 main concepts of reading the room:

1. Assessing individual crowd signals

2. Assessing group dynamics

3. Assessing the trending of a DJ set

This lecture takes a small digression into the time immemorial troubles of DJs: taking requests! Can we save ourselves? Find out!

This lesson introduces our next major topic: harmonic mixing.

Musical key clash is a dangerous thing! In this lecture we use the analogy of "island hopping" to understand why harmonic mixing as a system can assist us in navigating keys to create melodically stellar DJ sets.

In this lecture we explore the age old concept of the circle of fifths, but with a DJ friendly system called Open Key Notation. We explore how we "translate" the circle of fifths to the DJ friendly system.

Using the knowledge we have of the Circle of Fifths & Open Key Notation translations, we explore the rules of traversing the circle to create great sounding sets.

We introduce the next topic of understanding gigs performances to better inform you as you navigate DJ night life.

In this lecture we focus on the anatomy of a gig, understanding the different roles and persons who work together to create and organize an event.

In this lecture we discuss why the feel and style of the night are critical to understand for a gig. You want to make sure if you are DJing at an event you are listening to your fellow DJs so that you can build a matching set.

In this lecture we explore the two formats that DJs play under in the modern day: 1. All-night long and 2. Roster setting; with specific focus on #2. In the roster setting we explore the roles and goals of DJs in the opening, midpoint and climax sets of an evening.

Welcome to the fifth module on music discovery and selection. In this module we will focus on the skill that MAKES DJs which is the ability to select musical greatness.

A quick introduction to our topic on building a music library.

In this lecture, we quickly pause to remember our musical passion and its importance in building a well rounded music library.

In this lecture, we focus on the music creator platform Soundcloud. We explore how to use Soundcloud to find new music and the benefit of using Soundcloud to find free tracks from underground artists.

In this lecture, we focus on the Bandcamp platform - one of the hottest platforms for independent and small to medium sized labels to host and sell their music. We explore how artists use Bandcamp to sell their music and why its a valuable resource for uncovering slept on goodies.

In this lesson, we map out the landscape of DJ mixes from tastemakers to global internet radio shows. DJ mixes are a superb cache of delicious tracks that have gone through a musical evangelist's filter presented for your consumption - making them an integral part of a serious collectors listening list.

Here we explore the concept of a record pool and the main reason why it was invented historically and how it persists and manifests today. We take a look at a handful of subscription based Music Pools today and see the backend of some and how DJs use them to build their collection.

In this lecture we discuss the value of Record Shops in the modern day for digital DJs as a source of under-the-radar goodies and DJ community, as well as a quick visit to Invisible City Record Shop in Toronto. You don't need to be a turntablist to start collecting vinyl or visit a record shop, you can start today and just experience the fun of analog digging!

We introduce the next topic in module 5 building a set list.

In this lecture we go DEEP into thinking about your set. You will gain some invaluable questions to make you add artistry and creative value to your set. Designing a set with these concepts in mind will produce a valuable and enjoyable experience for listeners.

In this lecture we discuss "Track Energy" and how designing your set in the practical framework of the  emotional / story arc can be helpful in deciding how to progress in your musical selection. We provide a basic tool for evaluating track energy into different energy buckets as well.

In this lecture we talk about some tips for planning our set when working in a DJ roster, how to gauge your set entry and exit points as well as ensure that the entire night is a success with your set contribution.

In this practical demonstration Robert takes us through what designing a set in Rekordbox might look like for a fictional opener DJ slot for a deep house gig.

The introductory video for our next topic in module 5: Genres.

In this video we discuss genres using analogies to other art forms like television or movies, we then proceed to introduce our high level "map" and framework that we will work within to chart out the wide range of electronic music available to us as DJs.

In this lecture we talk about the premiere electronic music genre: house music. We gain some historical and philosophical insights into its origin and describe some of its technical features. We conclude with an overview of a handful of sub-genres that are interesting to checkout!

In this lecture we discuss the Detroit dark side of dance music: techno. We learn a bit of historical sides to the genre and describe some of its musical features. We conclude by looking at some sub-genres.

In this lecture we discuss the aggregate genre "hard dance & hardcore" emerging primarily from the European sides of the world. We differentiate two major streams of up-tempo'd variants of electronic music and  describe some of its musical features finally looking at some sub-genres.

In this lecture we discuss other genres that don't fit neatly into our course framework but are still great to investigate!

Introductory video for our next topic: Taming your music library.

In this lecture we discuss at a theoretical level what components make a library; we then learn how each of them are different but together create an organization structure that helps us find what we want when we want it.

We examine some of the theoretical concepts but with a practical example in Rekordbox.

In this video we examine several different characteristics of music including: mood, tempo, key, genre, and more to help us differentiate and classify our music into playlists. Using these characteristics we can create hyper-specific playlists to meet our every need.

We end off this module with some of Robert's best practice for music library care!

Welcome to the 6th module of the course on growing as a DJ.

The introductory video to our next topic: recording your DJ set.

In this video we cover some common options for recording your DJ set including: USBs, application, analog, software and more. Understanding your options will ensure you can be prepared when you want to record a DJ set.

In this optional video we provide some high level checklist items to verify before you go off banging around on the decks. Don't feel these are relevant to you ? No worries, feel free to skip this lecture if so!

In this video we examine at a high level how we can give a very rough mix and master to our recorded DJ sets using the open source and free audio editing program Audacity. We explore a basic workflow to polish your DJ sets and ensure consistent playback throughout.

In this video, we explore the concept of sharing your DJ mix including: dedicated platforms to share your mix such as Mixcloud as well as where and how to request feedback to improve your sets.

We introduce the next topic in the module: marketing yourself as a dj.

In this lecture, we explore some great options and platforms to start building an online presence including:

1. Soundcloud

2. Instagram

3. Spotify

4. Mixcloud

5. Linktr.ee

Building these presences online can help to establish yourself and reputation.

In this video we discuss techniques for building your offline presence, including why building your offline presence matters just as much (and sometimes more!) than your online presence. We'll explore some ideas that can help you get integrated into your local community.

In this lecture, we'll talk at a high-level about why some DJs organize their own events as a way to get their first gig and build their reputation in their local scene.

We introduce one of the final topics in this module: finding gigs.

In this video, event we discuss at a high level some of the difficulties in modern DJing and why getting noticed is difficult. Understanding the terrain can help better inform your strategy for hunting down gigs.

In this video we explore some tactical ideas around how we can go about finding gigs including why talking to everyone from the bar staff to door man/woman can help you sniff out opportunities. We also explore why starting to produce music might be an important element to attracting opportunities if you have the time and talents!

We close off this module with some additional ideas for how you can become known in your local scene and uncover opportunities to throw down on the decks!

In this lecture, we reflect a little on the journey of this course.

In this lecture, we discuss how to practically go about continuing to improve after this course. For example: what goal will you set after this course is over? Can you break that goal down into actionable milestones? Why savouring the firsts in your journey is so helpful to ensuring you don't get lost.

Just a quick word on some ongoing resources :)

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