DJ Masterminds

Things You'll Need:

*  laptop
*  DJ software
*  1/8" plug to 1/4"connector cable
*  Speakers or a system to plug into

So you want to learn how to DJ on your laptop. you need decent software that you can download off the internet. Some of the better programs will cos you but are completely worth the money.  These programs have trial periods to mess around with, so I suggest you do that right now.  My 2 favorite are Traktor PRO and Virtual DJ, However I use virtual DJ. (I use these programs on a MAC and PC.

You need good music, and the right kind. You have to consider the events you want to DJ for.  Go to Itunes and look up the "Top Songs" and download the styles of music you may need from the Top Songs list. When looking at a genre in Itunes, you will notice the songs that are most popular by looking at the Download meter net to the song. Songs to Have on hand: recent top 40 (rock, beat hip hop, and dance), Old favorites like Frank Sinatra, Classic rock (haha… just look up "Guitar Hero" or "Rock Band" popular songs … seriously). Also look up most popular songs from 2000, the, 90's, 80's, and disco.  make yourself a music budget and keep to it.

Playing the songs the right way! ALWAYS cross fade. Do not cut songs off and then start other songs cold. You want to avoid any type of accidental musical silence.  If you are playing a dance set, you want to BEAT MIX right.  look a the BPM (Beats Per Minute) and try to find songs within 5-10 bpm's of each other. Never go drastic (from 100 to a song that's 130 or 130 to a song that is 100) you will lose your dancers. However, it is ok to do this if you are changing the feel of your set.  Try to beat mix whenever possible. HOW? Oh My Gosh! You will love this!  When playing a song on your left side, keep your fader to the left and choose a song to go on your right side (similar BPM).  Hit play on the right side and Hit the "SYNC" button. This synchronizes your beats. now slide the slider slowly to the right. keep practicing you PRO!!