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DJs (disc jockeys) play recorded music
for audiences on the radio or at live venues, often making original
mixes of two or more tracks of music. They use vinyl records, CDs or
MP3s and other digital music files to play the music. There are
three main types of DJ - club DJs, radio DJs and mobile DJs.
Some DJs are skilled in playing an instrument, singing or rapping.
DJs spend many hours listening to a wide variety of music. They
often specialise in a particular type of music.
DJs usually work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
Mobile and club DJs may work until the early hours of the morning,
while some radio DJs have early starts for a morning show. Mobile
DJs can work anywhere from community halls to schools and pubs.
Clubs and bars can be noisy, hot and smoky. Radio studios may be
cramped, although they are often air-conditioned.
Salaries range widely. With some experience, income is likely to be
around £50 to £300 a session. A few top DJs may earn around £100,000
a year.
A DJ needs a wide knowledge of different kinds of music or an
in-depth knowledge of their specialist interest, an excellent sense
of rhythm, manual dexterity and a steady hand to operate technical
equipment.
To be creative with music and able to perform for an audience.
To be passionate about music and music technology.
This is a highly competitive and popular career area where talent
and luck are all-important. Most DJs are self-employed, except those
working for large broadcasting organisations.
There are no formal academic qualifications needed to become a DJ.
Enthusiasm, talent and relevant work experience are necessary.
Voluntary experience gained in hospital, community or student radio
is often the first step for radio DJs. Experience gained through
assisting a mobile or club DJ is useful for these areas of work.
After gaining experience, it is vital for DJs to market themselves
with a sample CD, and send it to bar or club managers, promoters,
radio stations or DJ agencies. Entry after the age of 30 may be
difficult.
Most DJs learn on the job. However, relevant training courses are
available.
Promotion tends to be to larger employers or venues, for example
from local to national radio stations, or from town pubs on
weeknights to large clubs at weekends.
Experience as a DJ can sometimes lead to related work in music
production, retailing, recording, promotion or publishing.
What is the work like?
DJs (disc jockeys) play
recorded music for audiences on the radio or at live venues.
There are three main types of DJ:
Club DJs work in clubs and bars, often supporting the work of an MC
(Master of Ceremonies), who might rap or sing over the music
play and mix records to encourage people to dance, or to keep an
atmosphere, either in one style or a mixture of styles
use additional equipment such as drum machines, synthesisers and
sound processors to produce their own unique sounds
enhance their performance by creating their own mixes using short
samples of music, or loops, and manipulating the beat.
Radio DJs present a particular type of radio programme, according to
their style and the type of music they like
sometimes help choose the music to be played
keep an entertaining flow of conversation within very tight time
slots
provide links between records, which may involve audience
participation through phone-ins, emails and text messages
play in feeds of information at exactly the right time, such as
news, travel and weather and, in commercial radio, advertisements
interview guests on a wide range of subjects.
Mobile DJs work at parties and special events, such as weddings and
birthday celebrations
unload and set up their own equipment, including the mixing desk,
vinyl records or CDs, high-powered amplifiers and speakers, and
lighting equipment
provide music and conversation links for a wide range of tastes and
age groups
dismantle the equipment at the end of the event and transport it
home.
DJs use a range of equipment, which could include turntables,
mixers, microphones, amplifiers and headphones. They are expected to
use the latest technology, including lighting and image projection.
Some DJs use digitally stored music, such as MP3s, from a laptop or
MP3 player, whereas others use vinyl records or CDs.
Radio DJs may have the help of a technical or studio assistant who
sets up the equipment. Mobile and club DJs use a variety of
techniques including mixing, scratching (the creation of sounds and
rhythm by moving vinyl back and forth against the needle on a
turntable), pitch control, beat matching and sampling to enhance
their performance.
Some DJs are skilled in playing an instrument, singing or rapping.
DJs spend many hours listening to a wide variety of music. They
often specialise in a particular type of music, such as dance,
hip-hop, trance, drum 'n' bass, or music from a particular era such
as the 1960s.
Many mobile and club DJs promote themselves in order to gain more
business.
For DJs with some experience, income is likely to be around £50 to
£300 a session.
Hours and environment
DJs usually work irregular and unsocial hours, including evenings
and weekends. Mobile and club DJs may work until the early hours of
the morning, while some radio DJs start work at this time for an
early show.
Working environments vary. Mobile DJs may work in a wide range of
venues from community halls to schools and pubs. Radio studios may
be cramped, but are often air-conditioned. The atmosphere in clubs
and bars can be noisy, hot and smoky. Some DJs work at outdoor
events.
The work can involve sitting or standing in one place for a long
time. Mobile DJs, in particular, need to lift and carry equipment.
Some travel over short or long distances and so a driving licence
would be useful. Club DJs may need to travel abroad.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary,
depending on the employer and where people live.
With some experience, income is likely to be around £50 to £300 a
session.
Very experienced DJs may earn £1,000 or more per session.
A few top DJs may earn around £100,000 or more a year.
Many DJs, especially when starting out, have another job, which is
usually full time, to supplement their earnings.
Skills and personal qualities
DJs need:
a wide knowledge of different kinds of music or an in-depth
knowledge of their specialist interest
an excellent sense of rhythm
manual dexterity and a steady hand to operate technical equipment
to be creative with music and able to perform for an audience
excellent communication skills
a good microphone voice, especially if working in radio
a lively and outgoing personality
the willingness to work hard and to learn
determination, enthusiasm and self-confidence
the ability to work calmly under pressure
business skills for managing their accounts and marketing themselves
a wide general knowledge, especially of news and media for radio
work.
Interests
DJs need to be:
passionate about music and music technology
interested in sound engineering.
Getting in
This is a highly competitive and popular career area where talent
and luck are all-important. Most DJs are self-employed, except those
working for large broadcasting organisations.
Most opportunities are available in large towns and cities
throughout the UK. Mobile DJs may also work in smaller towns and
villages. Most DJs have their own equipment, which can be expensive.
Within radio, it may be possible to start out in a related job such
as a broadcast assistant or engineer, and then move into presenting.
This is a highly competitive field, with many more applicants than
jobs available.
It is important to gain relevant experience and so some DJs start
out by working for no pay, or for expenses only.
Vacancies for DJs are not often advertised, as most jobs are filled
by word of mouth or through contact with employers or agents. The
BBC advertises jobs for radio broadcast assistants on its website.
Entry for young people
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Enthusiasm for
music, talent and relevant experience gained through extensive
practise are more important.
Voluntary experience gained in hospital, community or student radio
is often the first step for radio DJs. Experience gained through
assisting a mobile or club DJ is useful for these areas of work.
After gaining experience, it is vital for DJs to market themselves
with a sample CD, a short biography and photos. The CD typically
should last from 30 to 60 minutes and be sent to bar or club
managers, promoters, radio stations or DJ agencies.
Courses in DJ skills are widely available. Some of these are offered
by private training providers, some of which are very expensive and
may not lead to work as a DJ. Community training providers often
offer courses, which may be free for those who are unemployed.
The New Deal for Musicians offers help for aspiring unemployed
musicians, including DJs, and offers guidance on the business
aspects of the industry. This scheme is open to unemployed people
over the age of 18, who have been unemployed for at least six
months.
Entry for adults
Entry after the age of 30 may be difficult, although those wishing
to break into this field might find more opportunities with
audiences who are themselves more mature. Community radio stations
often welcome mature applicants with life experience.
Training
Most DJs learn on the job. However, relevant training courses
include:
City & Guilds (7755) qualification in DJ Technique
NVQ Level 3 in Radio Production
BTEC national and higher national courses, degrees and postgraduate
qualifications in music technology, radio production, media and
performing arts (some have specialist units relating to DJ
technology).
Getting on
Promotion tends to be to larger employers or venues, for example
from local to national radio stations, or from town pubs on
weeknights to large clubs at weekends.
Experience as a DJ can sometimes lead to related work in music
production, promotion, publishing, recording or retail.
There are good opportunities for experienced club DJs to work
abroad, especially in popular holiday destinations in the summer
months.
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