What is the work like?
DJs play music for audiences at live venues or on the radio.
They can use various formats including vinyl, CD or
digital MP3, and a range of equipment such
as turntables, mixers, microphones
and amplifiers.
As a club DJ you might:
- play and mix records in clubs or bars, to create atmosphere
or keep people dancing
- choose music to suit your audience’s taste and the
venue’s music policy
- operate lighting and visual effects in time to the beat
- create your own sounds by manipulating beats, using samples,
adding extra music and sound effects
- work with an MC who raps or sings over the music.
As a radio DJ, you would present a radio programme in your own
style. You could:
- choose the music to be played
- keep up an entertaining and natural flow of chat
- interact with the audience through phone-ins, emails and
texts
- keep to a very tight timing schedule
- interview studio guests
- operate studio equipment to play music, pre-recorded news,
jingles and advertisements (known as ‘driving the
desk’)
- discuss ideas with the producer, write scripts and prepare
playlists for future shows.
Many music radio DJs also perform at night
clubs.
As a mobile DJ you would provide music and atmosphere at
social events such as weddings and parties. You would take your own
equipment and music to each venue you played at.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a love of music, an engaging personality and
skills in using DJ equipment.
To get club DJ work, you will need practical experience of using
decks, mixers and sampling equipment. You may find it useful to
take short courses in DJ skills (which may be available at local
colleges and community recording projects), or full- or part-time
courses in sound and music technology.
To find a job in radio, you will need some practical experience
and a lot of enthusiasm and commitment. You can build experience
through:
For radio work, you may find it helpful to take a course in
radio or media production. This is not essential, but the most
useful courses help you to develop practical skills and may include
work placements. Courses are available full- and part-time at local
colleges, and community radio stations may also offer training and
qualifications.
To help you find any kind of DJ work, you should ideally
record a demo CD or MP3 that shows your DJ-ing style. You can
then use this to approach radio stations or clubs, bars and
music promoters for work. If you try this, you should make sure
that your demo fits in with the venue’s music policy or the
station’s output.
What further training and development can I do?
You would learn mainly on the job as you gained
experience.
As a club DJ, you could develop your skills by taking short
courses at some colleges and private DJ training schools, in music
and sound technology, or specific digital audio packages like
Cubase, Logic or Wavelab.
In radio, you may receive some in-house training in using some
of the technical equipment such as recording desks when you start
your job. You may also find it useful to take part in the
networking opportunities and events organised by the Radio Academy
and the RadioCentre – see websites for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Lafone House
The Leathermarket
Weston Street
London
SE1 3HN
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
5 Market Place
London
W1W 8AE
Tel: 020 7927 9920
http://www.radioacademy.org
77 Shaftsbury Avenue
London
W1D 5DU
Tel: 020 7306 2603
http://www.radiocentre.org
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
http://www.skillset.org/careers
Focus Point
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
http://www.skillset.org
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning
adviser , call
0800 100 900 or
use our
online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at:
www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Average earnings are between £50 and £300 a
session.
- Very experienced club and radio DJs may earn £1,000 or
more a session.
- Top club DJs can earn over £100,000 a year.
Most DJs are freelance, so annual income varies depending on
reputation and experience.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would often work varied or unsocial hours. As a mobile or
club DJ you would work mainly in the evenings and at weekends,
often until the early hours of the morning.
In radio, hours depend on your programme’s time slot,
whether it is live or pre-recorded, and the amount of off-air
preparation you do.
As a mobile DJ you would mainly work in pubs, hotels and halls,
and as a club DJ you would work in bars and nightclubs which
can be hot and noisy. Radio work is mainly in small air-conditioned
studios.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- keen interest in and enthusiasm for music
- a confident and outgoing personality
- a good sense of timing and co-ordination
- some understanding of technical equipment
- the ability to ad-lib and 'think on your feet'
- calmness under pressure
- the ability to work to strict deadlines
- ‘multi-tasking’ ability, for operating
equipment
- the skills to manage your own business and promote
yourself, if you are self-employed.
What opportunities are there?
As a club or mobile DJ you would normally be self-employed and
work on a part-time or casual basis (although top DJs may work
several sessions at different venues in one weekend). In radio, you
would be employed by radio stations on fixed-term contracts.
You would find club DJ work by approaching bars and clubs
directly, and through contacts and agents. Some radio jobs are
advertised in the local and national press and industry websites,
but many are filled through word of mouth or by agents.
Competition for all DJ work is strong and success depends on
your reputation and ability to network.
As a successful club DJ, you could move into music producing and
recording, club promoting, working for a record label or starting
your own label. As an established radio DJ you could get involved
in other types of media work such as TV presenting.
You may find the following links useful for more advice on DJ
skills and breaking into the music business (links open in new
window):
BBC Music
Introducing (music business advice and links for new musicians
and DJs)
BBC
Recruitment
DJMag.com
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