During the first week we look at the very basics of getting you started on your DJing journey. This includes setting up your equipment correctly, a breakdown of the essential kit – Mixer and CDJs or turntables – as well as the basic fundamental skills of beat matching and phrase mixing.
Proper use and understanding of EQ can make or break a seamless blend when DJing. In module 2 we delve into how to balance EQ in the mix, the variant styles of using EQ in the mix, and honing in on how to beat-match by ear with ease, using either CDJs or turntables.
Once you can nail the fundamentals of DJing we’ll begin to focus on alternative transition techniques, touching on simple creative (as well as life saving) techniques using mixer FX, loops and even playing music in reverse!
Digital DJing has ushered in a whole new world of creativity behind the decks and Looping is one of the most useful and under appreciated features of a CDJ. We’ll show you how to use loops to their best ability for both control and creativity in the mix, as well as overcoming common pitfalls, plus we’ll build your understanding and uses of some of the most important mixer FX.
Preparation is key in delivering a dynamic and memorable DJ set in a club environment. Devstar shows you ways to optimise your music using Pioneer’s Rekordbox software. We’ll also go through everything you need to know about mixing in key, showing you how to organise music harmonically.
This is where we really start to dive into the creative opportunities available with Digital DJing. You’ll learn to take complete control of your DJ sets, jump around tracks to dictate energy on the dancefloor, re-mix tracks live on the fly and even use the CDJ as an instrument!
In this module we show you the advanced features of Rekordbox, transform your mindset to be able to identify “hidden gems” in your music collection and highlights the importance of pre-gig preparation, explaining how this time spent will pay dividends in the club. Devstar also breaks down the barriers to 3 deck mixing and demonstrates its variety of uses.
We are now focusing on the more advanced mixer FX techniques that will really develop your inventiveness in transitions and make you stand out front the crowd. We go in to complex and granular detail on how to really make the most of the vast range of features in the DJM mixer series.
We continue looking at advanced mixer FX techniques, diving deeper into the use of the Transformer, Roll and Pitch FX, plus how to combine multiple FX at the same time!
This module is about becoming a Master of the CDJ. The CDJ is more than just a digital record player its packed with functions and features that enables you to take your DJ mix to the next level. In this Module we’ll cover using the CDJ to create a range of FX and take a look at how to prepare and mix acapellas in your DJ set.
Approaching the end of the course we are now equipped with all the fundamental skills to prepare and perform a creative and considered DJ set in a real club environment. We continue to look at acappellas both in scenarios with two or three decks, gig preparation, potential pitfalls to be expected at the club and recording your DJ set for post performance promotion.
Here Devstar will show you how to set up and record video mixes which have landed him gigs and industry attention in the his career. We’ll also cover next steps and important soft skills for you to progress as a well rounded artist in the music industry.
The all-new Toolroom Academy DJ Masterclass course is the first of its kind.
A truly comprehensive, 16 hour online course that will take you from the foundations of DJing, right the way through to advanced, technical skills that will elevate both your confidence and creativity on the decks.
Over the course of 85 individual lessons, you’ll follow Devstar from setting up your decks properly, learning to beat match by ear, through to harnessing the power of technology to your creative advantage. By the end of the programme, you’ll be confident with hot cue jamming, using the mixer FX for impact transitions, 3-deck mixing and much more.
This course is designed to equip you with the skills to get gigs and to stand out from the crowd and become a pro performer – someone who does more than just turn up and hit play, you’ll become a DJ who adds value, leaving audiences with an experience to remember. You’ll learn exactly how to approach any DJ environment with confidence, even if for the first time.
Learn from Devstar – renowned as one of the most technically accomplished DJs in the scene today – who has painstakingly created this Masterclass, alongside the Toolroom team, to make the definitive programme in DJ education.
