The DJ Certification Program is a comprehensive course designed specifically for beginner students who are motivated and committed to establishing themselves as professional DJs and music producers. This structured program provides intensive training across multiple mixing, scratching, and music production techniques, preparing you for a successful career in the music industry.
The curriculum spans 8 distinct levels. Students in the Certification Program attend classes once weekly, with an average program duration of one year to complete all levels. Classes maintain small student-to-teacher ratios, creating an environment that encourages collaboration and personalized attention. To minimize scheduling complications, students maintain consistent day and time slots throughout their enrollment in the program.
Level I: Foundational DJing Concepts and Techniques
Level 1 represents an ideal starting point for anyone interested in becoming a DJ. Our hands-on instructional approach teaches you the foundational principles of mixing music, blending tracks, and scratching. Whether you have specific music preferences or varying levels of commitment, DJ 101 will provide the foundational techniques and knowledge needed to launch your DJing journey successfully. All necessary equipment for classroom instruction is provided.
Your Level 1 learning covers:
- DJ history and the evolution of the craft
- Essential music theory and fundamental song structure concepts
- Equipment operation, including turntables, mixers, speakers, and related hardware
- Foundational scratching techniques and accurate timing methods
Level II: Intermediate Mixing and Blending
With the foundational skills from Level 1 now solidified, Level 2 focuses on developing your ability to apply these techniques in live situations. Learn to execute seamless transitions across all music genres while developing a deeper understanding of transition applications and proper timing. Completing this level includes a 10-minute performance set that demonstrates your acquired skills.
Your Level 2 learning covers:
- Creating and performing a 10-minute mix with precise phrasing and proficient manual beat matching
- Mastering Key Mixing theory and applying the Camelot system effectively
- Recording your DJ sets within digital audio software environments
- Using cue points correctly and understanding their critical function
- Creating playlists and crates; organizing music files systematically
Level III: Advanced Scratching and Turntablism
Develop yourself as a distinctive DJ by learning to incorporate diverse techniques and creative patterns into your live performances. Level 3 strengthens your timing precision and record control using advanced Turntablism techniques; you will develop skills in recognizing when and how to effectively utilize scratch patterns in your live mixes.
Your Level 3 learning covers:
- Turntablism principles and advanced techniques
- Professional-level mixing approaches
- Advanced beat-matching and cross-genre mixing applications
Level IV: Music Production Fundamentals
This course guides students through the technical and creative aspects of music production using Ableton Suite, a comprehensive digital audio workstation. By the conclusion of this level, each student will have produced at least one or multiple original re-edits and remixes.
Your Level 4 learning covers:
- Ableton Live core functions and foundational concepts
- Sampling techniques and sampling applications in production
Level V: Advanced Mixing Applications
This performance-focused course develops your mixing abilities through practical, real-world scenarios, collaborative group work, and valuable feedback from both peers and instructors. Level 5 mixing instruction teaches you to enhance your live performances with advanced mixing techniques and sophisticated song transitions, while learning to access and properly utilize the comprehensive features and functions available in modern Digital DJing software platforms.
Your Level 5 learning covers:
- Advanced Serato software techniques and capabilities
- Creating, recording, and producing original music
- Performing your original compositions in live settings
Level VI: Remix, Mastering, and Performance Mixing
In Level 6, you will develop and personalize your unique production style and sonic signature. This level teaches you to craft sounds from the ground up, a valuable skill for developing a distinctive musical identity that differentiates your work from other DJs and producers. Additionally, you will learn fundamental mixing and mastering techniques, including how to utilize Ableton Live 9 Suite's integrated effects processors to add professional quality and polish to your final tracks before releasing them to audiences and industry professionals.
Your Level 6 learning covers:
- Publishing strategies and music distribution channels
- Advanced Ableton Live capabilities and workflow optimization
- Developing your distinctive artistic voice and style through DJing
Level VII: Professional DJ Business Development
Once you have cultivated the technical skills to perform as a DJ or produce tracks as a music creator, this session provides essential guidance on building industry recognition and establishing yourself professionally. You will learn how to construct your brand identity, release mixes and original tracks on a consistent schedule, and strategically position yourself to achieve your career goals.
Your Level 7 learning covers:
- Selecting your DJ identity and defining your musical direction
- Marketing yourself and your music effectively
- The fundamentals and essential steps for launching and operating your own music business
Level VIII: Professional Performance Mixing and Live Event Management
Level 8 prepares you comprehensively for the realities of professional DJing. You will complete weekly assignments that replicate authentic live DJing scenarios, complete with the problem-solving challenges and unexpected situations that occur when performing for audiences. You will develop skills in self-promotion as a desirable and sought-after performer. Your training addresses all aspects from initial client communication through successful event execution, including master of ceremony duties and music programming that suits your audience.
Your Level 8 learning covers:
- Troubleshooting and resolving equipment problems and malfunctions
- Improvising and adapting your mix in real-time situations
- Reading audience reactions and applying recovery strategies when needed
Program Details and Important Information:
- The Certification Program spans 8 classes delivered over 48 weeks
- The schedule posted applies to Level I only; all subsequent levels follow their own designated timeframes
- The Program meets one time per week during evening or weekend hours. Upon joining, students maintain consistent day and time slots throughout all Levels until program completion
- The complete Program requires 48 weeks, not including scheduled breaks between sessions or recognized holidays. Total instruction includes 92 hours in classroom settings and a recommended 40 hours of independent lab practice time
- Students have the opportunity to take a one-term break during the program. If you plan to take a break longer than one term, a $500 re-entry fee applies, and an assessment may be required to determine the appropriate Level for your re-entry
