DJ

Teen Guide for Becoming a DJ

With so much expensive equipment and a high degree of competition for gigs, professional DJing may seem a little daunting for the average young person. Getting a handle on everything from play lists to lighting equipment is tough, but not out of reach for teens and other young people, even if they don’t come from a DJ-friendly background. For teens starting out in the DJing business and wondering how to get those all-important first gigs, consider some of these tips.

DJ

Go Mobile

Becoming a mobile DJ is one of the easiest ways to break into the business. Mobile DJs have small, portable equipment set ups that they can easily transport from gig to gig. These set ups are often scalable, so you can be equally at him with a full setup at a club or dance, or with just the most essential equipment at an outdoor event. While the end goal for most DJs, teenagers and adults alike, is to have a more permanent setup that allows for a long-running gig, a mobile set up is a great way to get experience, hone your skills, and get money for new and better equipment.

Master Your Equipment

One of the drawbacks of being a mobile DJ is that you need to buy and maintain all your own equipment. This means more than just turntables and speakers, but also tables and cases for all your equipment. For a DJ who is just starting out, it can be a significant investment. New DJs should set a budget and stick to it, buying the best equipment they possibly can without going into debt. Once you have your set up, spend some time mastering it before you start booking gigs. Know exactly what you can do so that you can give the best possible performance.

Take the Business Aspect Seriously

Negotiating contracts and maintaining a budget is not the most fun part of the job for most DJs, but it is important if you’re going to go from DJing as a hobby to DJing for profit. Draft a contract that you can use for every gig. There are plenty of templates you can use online. If you’re still unsure, get a lawyer to look it over. You’ll end up paying a small fee, but nothing compared to the cost of replacing equipment or lost wages if something goes wrong at one of your gigs. In order to make your contract more valid, consider getting a business license. In most districts, teens can easily apply for a license but need their parents to co-sign.

Network

The final step is to start getting your name out there so you can begin playing gigs. Get some business cards printed up and don’t be shy about distributing them. Ask your friends if they know of any events coming up, including birthdays and other family celebrations. You can also advertise online, and you may have some luck finding gigs, but word of mouth is often the best method for young DJs who are just starting out.

To find out more about becoming a DJ, or to check out a wide selection of equipment, visit http://www.idjnow.com.