DJ Fundamentals
Learn to DJ and perform your first live set
A hands on course that takes you from your first time on the decks to performing a live DJ set, covering equipment, beatmatching, EQ, and effects.
Ableton Certified Training Center
1 of 119 worldwide
Active artists as instructors
not career educators
Taught at our NYC location
Also available in Berlin and online
COURSE AT A GLANCE
11 weeks
Beginner
Nov 2026
Jan 2027
5-10 pax
A final performance showcase
Course outcomes
You'll finish with a DJ set
You start on the fundamentals of the equipment and track selection and build up to beatmatching, EQ, transitions, and effects, finishing with a live 15 minute DJ set.
What you'll accomplish in this course
Learn CDJs and Rekordbox
Loop and set hot cue
Beatmatch by ear
Use FX and create transitions
Read the room and move a crowd
Perform a 15-minute set
Course Journey
What you'll learn week by week
Equipment and timing
Introduction to DJing and equipment: Learn the DJ setup, track selection and the basics of CDJs and mixers.
Navigating equipment and rekordbox: Use mixer and CDJ controls, headphone cueing, and prepare tracks in rekordbox.
Dropping on the 1 and beatgridding: Count beats, bars and phrases, set cue points and edit beatgrids.
Beatmatching and mixing
Introduction to beatmatching: Match BPM with the tempo slider and sync tracks by ear.
EQ mixing: Use the jog wheel, EQ and bassline swaps for clean transitions.
Phrasing, energy and set building: Align phrases, manage energy and plan a set.
Harmonic mixing
Class 7. Harmonic mixing and the Camelot wheel: Detect keys and mix in key for smoother transitions.
Class 8. Advanced harmonic techniques and scratching: Use key modulation, creative transitions and basic scratching.
Performance and career
Effects and performance techniques: Use effects, loops and hot cues, and build stage presence.
Professional development: Find gigs, build your brand and understand contracts and riders.
Final performance and wrap-up: Perform a 15 minute live set and get feedback.
Value
What's included?
Everything you need to learn, practice, and keep improving after class.
Live group classes
Learn directly from an experienced DJ in a structured weekly format.
Small group feedback
Personal feedback from pro DJs so you improve faster
Hands on assignments
Apply new concepts each week and use them to build your track
Exclusive discounts
Save up to 50% on selected software
343 Labs certificate
Receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course
Some of your instructors
Learn from active producers
Mentorship from active producers, performers, and engineers shaping today's electronic music scene.
Stella Key
Producer • DJ • Vocal Producer
Producer, DJ, and topliner with releases and collaborations.
Great Dane
Producer • DJ • TeamSupreme Founder
Touring producer DJ and TeamSupreme founder known for bass music production.
Kevin McHugh
Mixing Engineer • Producer • DJ
Mixing engineer, producer, and international touring DJ with performances worldwide.
Hear from our students
300+ 5-star reviews
Jason V.Signed up for the Jan - March classes and I’ve really enjoyed the process of learning the fundamentals of DJing. The pace of learning is fantastic and our instructor has been thorough and gracious. If you want to dive into learning the ins and outs of DJing or you’re interested in exploring your creative side, I highly recommend taking a course through this program.
Isha JoshiHad my DJ Fundamentals lessons here, such a wonderful experience and the studio is very nice :)
Amelia ClarkReally great introduction to DJing for beginners -- they show you everything. You will learn a lot and have fun!
PRICING & SCHEDULE
FAQS
Still have questions?
Anyone who wants to learn to DJ, from complete beginners to music lovers who want to perform.
No. This is a beginner course with no prior DJing or music knowledge required.
A live 15 minute DJ set you perform in the final class, plus the core skills of beatmatching and mixing.
Headphones, a USB, and a laptop with Rekordbox. We provide the CDJs, mixers and controllers.
You can book a private make-up class for a reduced fee.
Yes. Flexible monthly payment plans are available through Affirm so you can spread the cost.
Call 1-800-243-3405 or schedule a free Zoom with Nacho. We look forward to speaking with you.