Disc Jockey

OFO No: 265601

Other names for Disc Jockey:

What is a Disc Jockey?

A Disc Jockey, (DJ), is a person who carefully chooses and plays recorded music for a particular audience.

There are several types of Disc Jockeys:

Radio Disc Jockeys: 

Introduce and play specific types of music (eg heavy metal, contemporary pop, or jazz etc).  They know their listeners’ likes and dislikes.  They also read the news, interview and keep the listeners up-to-date with community announcements.  A good DJ can ad-lib (work without a script).  Usually Radio Disc Jockeys are very entertaining.

Club Disc Jockeys:  

Work in bars, nightclubs, discos, parties, raves, or even in stadiums.  They like to play dance music.  They must, at all times be ‘tuned in’ to the ‘vibe’ and play the right music.  A good Club Disc Jockey keeps the energy up.

Hip Hop Disc Jockeys:  

Use lots of turntables and may also ‘scratch’ to create percussion-like sounds. 

Mobile Disc Jockeys:  

Travel with portable sound systems.  They play recorded music at events like parties, wedding receptions, festivals, product launches, etc etc.  Their choice of music can change from event to event, depending on client’s preference.

What does a Disc Jockey do?

• researches, listens and collects music for their audience
• updates their stock of music
• plans daily, weekly playing-schedules
• finds interesting people to interview
• researches background of interviewee and design suitable questions
• keeps up to date with current events
• watches the clock: music, commercials, talk etc fit into a strict time schedule
• writes and executes commercials
• makes public appearances at schools, malls, parties, product launches, openings etc
• works unusual hours

Are you … ?

• a person who LOVES a variety of music?
• a person who talks easily, for long periods of a time with no script?
• clear?
• a peoples’ person?
• confident?
• witty and quick thinking?
• cool under pressure?
• good with time management?

How do I become a Disc Jockey?

It’s not easy to become a famous Disc Jockey.

Radio stations want people with good clear speaking voices, correct grammar, and strong communicative and writing skills. 

Up to date knowledge and interest in music is an advantage. Classes in broadcast journalism can help. Classes in English, public speaking, debating and drama are also very useful.

Students can acquire necessary experience on school radio stations.  

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

In South Africa – we do have a few DJ schools:

• DJ MIX CLUB:  (Johannesburg)

Offers and 8-week course in theory and practical.

• RETRO MUSIC: (Gauteng)

Offers a multitude of courses in the DJ field

Minimum requirements:  There does not seem to be any special requirements beside the love of music.

• MUSIC ONLINE INDUSTRY (MIO)

Helps you with some important info + list of DJ schools in SA

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Television Presenter … or … Sports Commentator/Announcer

Is becoming a Disc Jockey the right career choice for me?