DJ

What is the work like?

DJs (disc jockeys) play recorded music for audiences on the radio or at live venues.

There are three main types of DJ:

Club DJs:

• work in clubs and bars, often supporting the work of an MC (Master of Ceremonies), who might rap or sing over the music
• play and mix records to encourage people to dance, or to keep an atmosphere, either in one style or a mixture of styles
• use additional equipment such as drum machines, synthesisers and sound processors to produce their own unique sounds
• enhance their performance by creating their own mixes using short samples of music, or loops, and manipulating the beat.

Radio DJs:

• present a particular type of radio programme, according to their style and the type of music they like
• sometimes help choose the music to be played
• keep an entertaining flow of conversation within very tight time slots
• provide links between records, which may involve audience participation through phone-ins, emails and text messages
• play in feeds of information at exactly the right time, such as news, travel and weather and, in commercial radio, advertisements
• interview guests on a wide range of subjects.

Mobile DJs:

• work at parties and special events, such as weddings and birthday celebrations
• unload and set up their own equipment, including the mixing desk, vinyl records or CDs, high-powered amplifiers and speakers, and lighting equipment
• provide music and conversation links for a wide range of tastes and age groups
• dismantle the equipment at the end of the event and transport it home.

DJs use a range of equipment, which could include turntables, mixers, microphones, amplifiers and headphones. They are expected to use the latest technology, including lighting and image projection. Some DJs use digitally stored music, such as MP3s, from a laptop or MP3 player, whereas others use vinyl records or CDs.

Radio DJs may have the help of a technical or studio assistant who sets up the equipment. Mobile and club DJs use a variety of techniques including mixing, scratching (the creation of sounds and rhythm by moving vinyl back and forth against the needle on a turntable), pitch control, beat matching and sampling to enhance their performance.

Some DJs are skilled in playing an instrument, singing or rapping. DJs spend many hours listening to a wide variety of music. They often specialise in a particular type of music, such as dance, hip-hop, trance, drum 'n' bass, or music from a particular era such as the 1960s.

Many mobile and club DJs promote themselves in order to gain more business.

For DJs with some experience, income is likely to be around £50 to £300 a session.

Hours and environment

DJs usually work irregular and unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends. Mobile and club DJs may work until the early hours of the morning, while some radio DJs start work at this time for an early show.

Working environments vary. Mobile DJs may work in a wide range of venues from community halls to schools and pubs. Radio studios may be cramped, but are often air-conditioned. The atmosphere in clubs and bars can be noisy, hot and smoky. Some DJs work at outdoor events.

The work can involve sitting or standing in one place for a long time. Mobile DJs, in particular, need to lift and carry equipment. Some travel over short or long distances and so a driving licence would be useful. Club DJs may need to travel abroad.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• With some experience, income is likely to be around £50 to £300 a session.
• Very experienced DJs may earn £1,000 or more per session.
• A few top DJs may earn around £100,000 or more a year.

Many DJs, especially when starting out, have another job, which is usually full time, to supplement their earnings.

Skills and personal qualities

DJs need:

• a wide knowledge of different kinds of music or an in-depth knowledge of their specialist interest
• an excellent sense of rhythm
• manual dexterity and a steady hand to operate technical equipment
• to be creative with music and able to perform for an audience
• excellent communication skills
• a good microphone voice, especially if working in radio
• a lively and outgoing personality
• the willingness to work hard and to learn
• determination, enthusiasm and self-confidence
• the ability to work calmly under pressure
• business skills for managing their accounts and marketing themselves
• a wide general knowledge, especially of news and media for radio work.

Interests

DJs need to be:

• passionate about music and music technology
• interested in sound engineering.

Getting in

This is a highly competitive and popular career area where talent and luck are all-important. Most DJs are self-employed, except those working for large broadcasting organisations.

Most opportunities are available in large towns and cities throughout the UK. Mobile DJs may also work in smaller towns and villages. Most DJs have their own equipment, which can be expensive.

Within radio, it may be possible to start out in a related job such as a broadcast assistant or engineer, and then move into presenting. This is a highly competitive field, with many more applicants than jobs available.

It is important to gain relevant experience and so some DJs start out by working for no pay, or for expenses only.

Vacancies for DJs are not often advertised, as most jobs are filled by word of mouth or through contact with employers or agents. The BBC advertises jobs for radio broadcast assistants on its website.

Entry for young people

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Enthusiasm for music, talent and relevant experience gained through extensive practise are more important.

Voluntary experience gained in hospital, community or student radio is often the first step for radio DJs. Experience gained through assisting a mobile or club DJ is useful for these areas of work.

After gaining experience, it is vital for DJs to market themselves with a sample CD, a short biography and photos. The CD typically should last from 30 to 60 minutes and be sent to bar or club managers, promoters, radio stations or DJ agencies.

Courses in DJ skills are widely available. Some of these are offered by private training providers, some of which are very expensive and may not lead to work as a DJ. Community training providers often offer courses, which may be free for those who are unemployed.

The New Deal for Musicians offers help for aspiring unemployed musicians, including DJs, and offers guidance on the business aspects of the industry. This scheme is open to unemployed people over the age of 18, who have been unemployed for at least six months.

Entry for adults

Entry after the age of 30 may be difficult, although those wishing to break into this field might find more opportunities with audiences who are themselves more mature. Community radio stations often welcome mature applicants with life experience.

Training

Most DJs learn on the job. However, relevant training courses include:

• City & Guilds (7755) qualification in DJ Technique
• NVQ Level 3 in Radio Production
• BTEC national and higher national courses, degrees and postgraduate qualifications in music technology, radio production, media and performing arts (some have specialist units relating to DJ technology).

CSV Media runs Media Clubhouses across the UK which offer training in radio skills.

The Scottish Arts Council can provide details of music projects offering DJ skills.

Getting on

Promotion tends to be to larger employers or venues, for example from local to national radio stations, or from town pubs on weeknights to large clubs at weekends.

Experience as a DJ can sometimes lead to related work in music production, promotion, publishing, recording or retail.

There are good opportunities for experienced club DJs to work abroad, especially in popular holiday destinations in the summer months.

Further information

Arts Council of Wales. Website: www.artswales.org.uk

BBC Recruitment, PO Box 48305, London W12 6YE. 0870 333 1330. Website: www.jobs.bbc.co.uk. BBC websites with relevant careers information: www.bbc.co.uk/newtalent/music, www.bbc.co.uk/music/parents/features/dj and www.bbc.co.uk/blast

Commercial Radio Companies Association (CRCA), The Radiocentre, 77 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5DU. 020 7306 2603. Website: www.crca.oc.uk

Creative & Cultural Skills, 4th Floor, Lafone House, The Leathermarket, Weston Street, London SE1 3HN. 020 7015 1847. Website: www.ccskills.org.uk

CSV Media, 237 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NJ. 020 7278 6601. Media Training Freephone 0800 525165. Website: www.csv.org.uk

New Deal for Musicians. Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

The Radio Academy, 5 Market Place, London W1W 8AE. 020 7255 2010. Website: www.radioacademy.org

School of Sound Recording, Ana Centre, 65-69 Downing Street, Manchester M1 7JE. 0161 276 2100. Website: www.s-s-r.com

Scotland Ideas Factory. Website: www.scotland.ideasfactory.com/music

Scottish Arts Council, 12 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7DD. 0131 226 6051. Website: www.scottisharts.org.uk. (Look at '1624 explore' for a directory of courses.)

Youth Music, 1 America Street, London SE1 0NE. 0845 7902 1060. Website: www.youthmusic.org.uk

Crown Copyright www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u 

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