Learn with DJ@Penn

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Learn with DJ@Penn 〰️

Introductory Professional Skills Training 

Our structured weekly sessions are designed to introduce the fundamentals of DJing to complete beginners, using state-of-the-art, club-level equipment. This program, accessible exclusively to Penn students, surpasses many commercial DJ courses in depth and expertise, delivered by experienced instructors in a dedicated, optimal learning environment.

Introductory Training Curriculum:

  • Background

    Learn about vinyl, CDJs, and the history of modern mixing equipment. Master song selection by key, genre, and BPM. Become an artist of set design and controlling musical atmosphere and energy.

  • Equipment

    Discover the functions of the modern Pioneer DJ® club mixer and deck. Learn about input devices, and how sound is created.

  • Software

    Choose the right software for your interests. Understand the difference between Serato and Rekordbox, compared to other tools on the market.

  • Beatmatch

    Learn how to count beats, about the basic structure of songs in various genres, and about the fundamentals of beatmatching. Learn phrasing, cueing, and nudging. Say goodbye to sync mode.

  • EQ & Music Theory

    Discover the components of a song, how EQ can be used to create fullness in the mix and master smooth transitions. Master harmonic mixing, the Camelot wheel, and musical moods.

  • Loops & FX

    Master looping with slip mode, in transitions, and with EQ. Discover beat & color FX, and learn to use them to elevate your mix.

FULL CURRICULUM

Introductory Training Details:

When

Every Tuesday throughout the semester, from 6pm or 8pm onwards.

Enrolment is now closed for the Fall 2024 semester. Please join our Slack before February 2025 to sign up for training in the Spring semester.

Where

Arts, Research, and Culture House (ARCH) and the Solomon Building.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Unfortunately, no. Members start the course from Class 1.

  • No. We provide professional club-grade Pioneer DJ® equipment, including DDJ-400s, FLX4s, FLX10s, and XDJ-XZs. However, we strongly encourage you to bring your deck along if you have one. All members are required to bring a laptop and headphones at a minimum.

  • No. All DJ@Penn courses are only available for current Penn students – more specifically, members of our Slack community (which Penn students can join here).

  • We encourage all DJs without formal training, even those who have plenty of experience, to complete our training course or to find a similar one on their own.

    • Many nightclubs and bars require certain skills of DJs who they allow to use their equipment.

    • This Introductory Training course provides a great baseline of knowledge, history, fundamental skills, and standardized language for further training.

    • Many of the most well-known DJs got their start through professional courses like ours, which is designed to match or improve upon competing DJ schools.