The DJin’ Department will offer three classes:
DJin’ – Beginner
Students will learn the history of the DJ and the fundamentals of what it takes to become a great DJ. Students will be guided through how to set up important equipment such as turn tables, mixers, amps, and speakers. Students will be also be taught the techniques, names and basics of live performance.
DJin’ – Intermediate
Students will begin to mix, scratch, and have a clear sense of their own style as well as their limits in techniques. Students will be exploring many new possibilities in their own art form.
DJin’ – Advanced
Advanced students now begin to master their style and technique through single and multi-track recording. They will learn the major differences between producing music and being a radio DJ. Students will also be taught the use of digital and analog processors that can manipulate and enhance sound recordings and DJin’ live performances. Advanced students will give live presentations and will receive direction in pursuing artistic careers.
Workshop Specifics
- 8 Week Workshop
- 60 Minute Class
- Meets twice per week
- Most equipment is provided
- Open practice is subjected to availability. Please see one of our staff members.
A short History & Description of DJin’
The term Deejayin’ goes back to 1971 in New York City with the original DJ’s: Pete DJ Jones, DJ Hollywood, JJ the Disco King, Kool DJ Herc, Kool DJ Rock, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Champagne (RIP), Grand Wizard Theodore and Red Alert, among many many others. On the West Coast, DJ Antron, Evil E and Hen G, Tony G, Gemini, Captain Rock and the World Class Wrecking Crew were among the ground breaking pioneers. All of these DJ legends set free a powerful force of creative energy, which still emanates to this day. These first DJ’s would perform in the Bronx at underground parties, parks, and basements in their local neighborhoods.
Their creative breakthrough was to bring two turntables together and to play them simultaneously. This was called “mixing”. The Father of Hip Hop DJ Kool Herc brought all the elements together and inspired a new movement in the community by bringing everybody to the park with the biggest and loudest sound system playing R ‘n B, Funk, Soul, and extending the break-beat of the record giving birth to the dance movement call Bboying. Some say that this is how the name Break Boy, Bronze boy or BBoy got its name from also known as Break dancing. Grand Master Flash created Kutting, which are two records playing continually and repeating the same song as well as re-arrange the song, creating an avenue for the MC to entertain the crowd with rhymes over the instrumental. Grand Master Flash technique was so smooth and fast. Also, according to legend, Grand Wizard Theodore invented “scratching” largely by accident.
He liked the sound and developed the technique which many have utilized and mastered since. This also gave DJ Hollywood the opportunity to grab the mic and shout “Somebody say OOH! YEAAH! “Throw your hands up in the air and wave them like you just don’t care and if you have clean under wear Somebody say OOH! YEAAH! Now screeeeam!!!” Dj Hollywood was defenetely the boss on the mic. Some say that this is how MCin’ was born. The DJ is the foundation that sourced Hip Hop. Incredible DJ techniques such as “Kutting”, “Mixing”, “Transforming”, “Beat Juggling”, and “Triple Threat” were invented and perfected as Hip Hop evolved. DJ Q-Bert is credited with inventing “Flaring” and the “Crab”.
