Exploring the World of DJing

DJ equipment

While DJ technically stands for “Disc Jockey,” DJing now generally refers to playing pre-recorded music for an audience. DJs curate and blend songs – or “tracks” – to establish a certain mood or energy and heighten the experience of listening to music.

A variety of techniques can be used to DJ. Some DJs use turntables and play vinyl records, some use DJ controllers or CDJs to play digital music, some even incorporate instruments into their sets. Usually, there are at least two sound sources – or “decks” – which allow DJs to seamlessly transition from one song to the next or blend elements of both to create a unique sonic experience. There are technical skills involved in DJing like beatmatching, mixing, and gainstaging. The most important skills a DJ should develop are a good ear and a deep knowledge of their tracks. DJing is a great way to get students directly involved in school events like dances and pep rallies. It can also be a hands-on way to explore modern music history and technology.

Check out the video below for how to use a DJ controller including initial set-up and first steps.

All you need to start DJ-ing is a DJ controller, DJ software (many controllers have this included), headphones, and a laptop.

Recommendations for DJ Software

DJ software allows you to comprehensively analyze, organize, and manipulate a digital library of music and communicate with your DJ controller. The most popular DJ softwares are Rekordbox and Serato. Both Rekordbox and Serato have free versions available. Many DJ controllers also come with licenses to either, so make sure you take advantage of any included software.

*NOTE* – make sure your DJ controller and software are compatible! Most DJ controllers only work with specific software, so check the packaging and instructions before you download any software.

DJ software is essentially a library of music on the bottom and a digital representation of your controller and decks at the top. If you want to play a song, all you have to do is…

  1. Drag the song into one of the decks on the top left or right to load it in
  2. Press play on the corresponding deck on your DJ controller
  3. To mix in the next song, you’ll do the same on the other deck
  4. Press play
  5. Adjust the volume levels

And voila – you’re DJ-ing!

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