DJ
What is the work like?
DJs play music for audiences at live venues or on the radio. They can use a range of formats, including vinyl, CD or digital MP3, and a range of equipment such as turntables, mixers, microphones and amplifiers. There are three types of DJ, radio, club and mobile, although many music radio DJs also perform at night clubs.
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.
Your job as a mobile DJ would be to provide music and atmosphere at social events such as weddings and parties. You would normally take your own equipment and records/CDs to each venue you play at.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need formal qualifications to become a DJ, as your skills, personality and love of music are the most important things.
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 radio experience through:
- community, hospital or student radio – see the Community Media Association for a list of local stations, and the Hospital Broadcasting Association for a list of hospital stations
- work experience placements – contact the BBC Work Experience or the RadioCentre (for commercial radio)
- in-store radio – some large retail chains have their own radio stations that you could apply to.
You may find it helpful to take a college course in radio or media production, as 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 make a ‘demo’ CD that shows your DJ-ing style. You can then use this to approach radio stations or clubs and bars 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 mainly learn and build your skills on the job.
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 technical areas like ‘driving the desks’ or using particular recording equipment 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?
77 Shaftsbury AvenueLondon
W1D 5DU
Tel: 020 7306 2603
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
London
W1W 8AE
Tel: 020 7927 9920
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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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.
Since most DJs are freelance, 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, possibly with some outside broadcasts in all weather conditions.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- keen interest in and enthusiasm for music
- a confident and outgoing personality
- a clear speaking voice (for radio work)
- 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 and 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 night or 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 or starting or working for a record 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 business:
BBC OneMusic
BBC Recruitment
DJMag.com
4Radio
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