TOGTFO......learn it live it love it, also girls you meet in clubs are batshit crazy and never trust a promoter

LOL! Shit, All that comes without saying. Yet, think about it as these guys have never touched a turntable. Probably never seen one!

at the rate the industry is going they probably never WILL see one either, make sure they bring their IPADS LOL

As far as learning ive tried and never been able to teach it, to me its sooo simple as far as explaining what it is your trying to accomplish, after that its all about practicing until you get toTHAT day that we all experienced where that little light goes off in our head and you go...ohh...wait....I GET IT NOW and everything just clicks.

if you need ideas though hit up those DJTUTOR vids on youtube and the DIY qbert vids, obviously youll already know all the setup and maitinence stuff they talk about but they may say or do something that would spark an idea

I hear you...I have millions of ideas. i just wanted to see what the serato forum family says. I may be missing something. Just throwing out the question.

Ideas I have:
*Counting beats
*Dropping on the ONE
*Hand placement
*Battle style turntable setup vs Traditional style turntable setup
*Vinyl vs CD
*Watch as many dj videos, documentaries, movies as possible
*Field trip to record shops especially grammaphone in Chicago (webstore.gramaphonerecords.com)
*Discuss the differences between mobile and club

ADD ON!

If you went to a class what would you want to learn that you have seen or heard?

Not to mention recording and production, but that's a whole other class.

DJ Angelo's Youtube videos are the best free tutorials I've seen.

It's a positive idea for inner city kids but DJing is pretty expensive. Granted you supply the equipment in class but they'd still have to practice. Just like with Piano or guitar lessons you need to already have the equipment and practice at home to really get good.

Also kids may go CRAZY and not respect your equipment. I remember in grade school my music teacher brought out a record player and my whole class went crazy fighting over the chance to try and scratch on it.

We all know how expensive it can be. Yet, when it's something you really want to do their will always be a way. I'd set-up studio time as well so that they can come in and practice on the equipment with out it being an instructional day. Not as easy as having a bedroom set-up but again if they really want to do it they'll get out and practice. The class would be something small numbers wise. I think a comfortable number like 5 or 6 kids would work out. They'll weed themselves out also. They may figure out that it's something they really didn't want to do and move on. Also, I'd teach the importance of equipment respect and maintenance. If shits broken, so much for practicing!

yo its a great idea go 4 it

Demonstrate to them several examples of different styles to see if they identify with a particular direction of music.

Also teach some of the history behind it and the pioneers of the game that got it to where it is today.

Most of all keep it fun and interesting, (kids these days have short attention spans)

Already did this in Ann Arbor Michigan. Started going to DJ classes that were being taught around 13 and by the time i was 15 i was helping or teaching them myself. Lol
Hard thing tho is a lot of kids like different types of music and some want to scratch and others mix, so having two diff rooms or sessions for ether one pleases the most people

Hey people new member here (been lurkin for a while lol tho) may have a lil input that may help. I have been holding workshops for the last few years mainly via youth centres. One thing I have found you may get many types of kids who may not be massively musicly minded so sometimes teachin to count beats may be tricky. I also teach poppin classes so I found the best way round this is to just get them to clap or to click on the snare at first so that they can follow the beat. That is usually the trickiest part.
When I start teaching new kids I only use instrumentals at first and start them off on mixing. One thing that is mad important that alot of people overlook is enchouragement. I have a friend who is a much better turntablist than me but aint really much of a teacher as he doesnt really give any feed back. The kids really respond well to feedback. Most of the kids I work with have got pretty shitty home lives so I guess it nice for them to have someone compliment them on what they're doin.

I mentioned earlier that most of my workshops take place in youth centres but due to goverment cuts in the UK youth centres are closing all the time, so I currently do more and more in local schools. You mentioned making the classes cheap for kids. What I did was approached different organisations to get them to fianance it so I could get paid but the kids can still access the workshops for free.
I see you in the states so I'm not sure what is available finacially but there may be some form of local organisation in your area that may be interested in your skills.

Sorry for the essay lol if theres anythin you wanna ask just let me know.

+1 for this topic

definitely a good cause!

Well, with this idea you are paying it forward. what you have learn and sharing it to others is really a good stuff. you'll bring joy to those who dream to be a DJ.. it is just simple if you are really determined, I learn beatmatching and a little scratching on my own. I'm not bragging though. but it feels like there is something missing. it is much better if you have someone to teach you and advice you.. I'm far away from where you guys live. but i can reach you through this forum. if you have time, have some gigs here in the Philippines. specific ones, here in davao where I live.. LolZ! Bob Sinclair will be in manila this 2nd week of january.. ^_^

Hey thanks for the positive feedback. I've set up the dj room already and have some kids interested. I'll post pics. Looking to make it a positive and fun experience for them. As far as sponsorship and help with financing I have thought about drafting a letter to local businesses and government agencies that would look at this as an investment to the community. I'm also thinking of sending the letter out to different equipment and software companies for sponsorship. Hell, maybe just some posters to decorate the studio with. ((Cough) (Cough) Serato, Ableton, Rane, etc.) LOL

yowordiagree: Thanks for the feedback. I actually thought about teaching with instrumentals for the hip-hop side of class. Luckily EDM and house are mostly beats or 4/4. I've been working with kids for about 13 years now so I understand what you mean about students needing positive feedback. I think djing has alot to do with having the skill to do it but also the confidence to do it as well. Having a good self esteem goes a long way. It's horrible to see these kids lose self confidence. This class could possibly help with that.

O.B.1: That's where the movies and documentaries come into to play. I believe the history is important. It's also pretty cool to see how it has evolved in technology and styles and for the kids to hopefully grow some respect and admiration for the art.

DJ ELL: I see how it can be difficult to teach different styles so I've thought about teaching different genres and styles on different days. When the kids sign up for studio time that's when they can decide on what they want to practice with.

DJ Deebar: Thanks for the words of encouragement. Shoot, I'd love to go to the Philippines to dj!

Any more feedback is greatly welcomed!

Yeah! I will really welcome you.. hahaha.... I'll be one of the kids to be trained.. "JOKE".. but honestly, I am 19 y/o... not too far.. Lolz!

Can you teach me how to build needles too? seems like it would save a decent amount of money :-P

LOL....It's a very long process but it's worth it. Cavemen invented the process but with todays technology it's not as long as it use to be. They made the cartridges out of animal cartilage and the needles out of diamonds!

I've got no problem showing you how to build them!

Here are the pics of the equipment I already have set-up for the class.
It just needs a few inspirational images, photos, posters and some easy tip/tricks bulletin boards.

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Awesome! they'll gonna learn everything...

i didnt read this whole thread so i dont know if this has already been said...

but i would suggest using the book "how to dj right" as a guide. it doesnt really go into digital djing, but for everything else i think it would be a great tool.

I would have them learn on Vinyl first so they'll know the building blocks and can transfer that to Serato, Controllers, or CDJ's

stix, you may want to look into Grant writing. There's a lot of govt money out there for people with ideas like yours. My mom is a children's librarian about an hour south of the chi and they get mad grant money every year for programs. I actually got paid one summer to do a fundamental producing workshop for the kids. I'm not too far from the city so I'd like to come check your class out myself.

great idea.....i think im going to apply for one to start a DJ class, for this class i will be teaching the kids about the enwest updates in DJ tech so ill need a grant that will cover a 68, some new QSC speakers, and a few crates of limited SL vinyl....for the kids of course lol

i think ill teach a kids class about a new mercedes

you'd be suprised at how much money you can get and what equipment you can write off for the class. Our library now has like 40 brand new Imacs, all the people involved with the program got new macbooks (one of which I'm typing on right now) speakers, audio interfaces, digital cameras, camcorders, midi controllers, all part of the grant

How is it going Stix? Are you still teaching the kids?

I am interested as well. Please provide info if you are still providing classes. My daughter has shown a huge interest. Thank you. The other class they provide here in Chicago is booked solid. I think this is such an awesome idea and opportunity. If not to dj, than to appreciate all music genre in general. Wishing you success if you launched already.

How olds your daughter?

My daughter is 15 is this still going to happen. She would love to pursue her passion in djing but there is no classes anywhere that are not booked. I M hoping there is room and this will continue

So anyone giving DJ classes in Chicago?This would be for my 12 yo son? Let