The Beginning of a Journey
In the year 2022, I decided that because I was turning 50, I would be doing some new and exciting things. One of those included learning how to become a DJ. I love music of all kinds. My CD library is what one may consider to be interesting. When the opportunity arrived, I thought well, why not? Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 3pm was my first class with my instructor Adam and 3 other students. One student has previous experience from years ago. He is refreshing his techniques and learning the new technology. One student has all her equipment. This is her second round of sessions attempting to learn. As far as the 3rd student, he and I are greenhorns and starting from the bottom. Not sure why Adam called the first day Orientation because we jumped right in.
We began with some history. I knew some things about him, however I learned more. With 28 years of experience, he should have some history. Then, we learned some the different parts of the equipment including putting it all together. They are not just turntables, mixers, controllers, speakers, headsets, and wires, these are our instruments.
After getting familiar with the basics, it was time to feel and see what I was getting myself into.
Matching snares, close BPM (beats per minute), cue points, etc. One of the first things Adam told us is, “You will never listen to music the same again”. I now have what I call Music Paranoia. I’m listening to everything; music speeds and DJ skills. Being new to this meant more practice. Practicing only once a week during class is not enough. If you know anything about the equipment, no matter the model, it is not cheap. Fortunately, Adam had equipment he no longer used but kept in good condition. He still had the original boxes along with their instructions. He demonstrated in class that the equipment still works, and I was welcomed to purchase it. So, I began my payment plan. November 14th was my first payment and December 17th was my last payment. Sunday December 18th and our last class of the year, I took home my instruments; 2 Technics Model SL-DZ1200 Digital Turntables and a mixer (It is on borrow until I can get my own). Merry Christmas to me!! Now, the real practice begins.
It has been two weeks; the instruments and I am still trying to bond. At times I feel like I’m in the movie Christine. She only loves her original owner and it’s a man.
It has been 90 days and now 2023. I look forward to finally perfecting my skills and sharing them with the world, with some assistance. Weather permitting, the next class will be Sunday January 8th. I will talk to you later but until then I will continue to practice.
If you have any suggestions in meshing/transitioning music or advice at all, I will appreciate it. Let’s grow in our path together.
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