A DJ’s journey has to start somewhere, whether you’re learning on the fly or taking steps to educate yourself in a more organized way. There is not one certified way to success. Many go on their own path to make themselves the best possible DJ. There are multiple layers to being a DJ beyond blending tracks that help your growth. Knowing how to get gigs, equipment or promoting yourself online are equally vital aspects of building a strong skill set. Luckily, platforms like Crossfader are dedicated to helping you on that journey. Whether it’s just a hobby or a budding profession. Crossfader has built a comprehensive suite of industry-certified courses encompassing all aspects of DJing that we can vouch for and suggest you check out.
We’ve teamed up with Crossfader to offer a 35% discount on any individual course (more info below). You have the freedom to choose what lane you want to follow. But before you make your decision we give you a flavour of what they offer. Encompassing technical and management skills, specific genres and their complete DJ package.
The complete DJ package
Crossfader has curated a sophisticated experience to suit your every need as a DJ. If you subscribe to their complete package, you gain unlimited access to everything they offer, with over 24 courses and over 50 hours of bonus content. This package also gives you access to future courses they create.
You learn everything you can, from software and equipment to mixing like your favorite DJ. What’s more, the Crossfader team will always be on hand to offer more advice. This package is available for £399/$512/€468. But you can enroll in a flexible payment plan. One-third of the fee is enough for instant access to the complete package. Then, you’ll find all the tools you need to succeed.
The complete DJ course
For aspiring beginner DJs that may know how or where to start, Crossfader’s complete DJ course covers a wide range of elements. This course covers nine lessons with everything from basic promotion skills and professional gear to management and posting your mixes on Mixcloud. It begins with a breakdown of free tools and downloads (including Crossfader’s own curated sample pack). Following lessons cover slow mixing with EQs, extended DJ sets, BPM change and moving from controller to CDJs among others. The major benefit of this course is that it’s designed to help you achieve success as a DJ on several different levels. Each lesson is catered to a specific aspect of DJing, giving you the core skills needed to play like a pro. And the best part? It’s completely free!
DJ software, techniques and tricks
One of the many upsides to starting to DJ is the plethora of tools at your disposal. It’s never been easier to be a DJ from a technical standpoint and Crossfader caters to this variety with a range of curriculums. Their technical courses cover a breadth of specific skills when you’re on the decks, including transitions, scratching and tone play. They also explain using specific software like Rekordbox, Traktor, Serato, Denon DJ and Pioneer. Any of these courses can guide which apps and CDJs you want to use to play and record your mixes.
More importantly, they enable you to get your head around vital DJ technology, getting into the detail of each app, from controlling levels to quantizing. These courses will appeal to DJs using specific skills/software and want more knowledge on how to best improve in their lane. So whether you’re using a pair of Pioneer decks or a Traktor controller, beginner or advanced, Crossfader has you covered.
Career skills, mastering your setlist and organizing your music library
If you’re looking for a little more guidance on the management side of being a DJ, Crossfader has built a sophisticated set of lessons to suit this department. These lessons focus on the professional value of being a DJ and how to market yourself. This includes how to secure live gigs, mastering your setlist, organizing your music library, staying in tune, genre detection and tackling music overload among many others. They aim to get you used to the idea of managing yourself as a DJ as well as your music, which is just as vital as playing the music.
This will appeal to those who may need some lessons on how to craft their approach to presenting and curating the best version of themselves. With this guidance, you can put yourself in good stead for when you’re building your portfolio of live performances and will aid the general maintenance of your career. Especially as you continue to pursue the craft.
Mixing Techno, House & Hip-Hop
Many DJs either master DJing one sound or can be very adept playing genres of all kinds. If you’re the former, Crossfader has something for you. These courses are specific breakdowns of how to mix particular sounds and how to master them. They consist of lessons in Techno, House and Hip-Hop and feature all of their sub-genres. Sounds that are as diverse as Funky House, Drill, Melodic Techno, Trap, Deep House, Detroit Techno and more.
The courses will also cover approaches to software, hardware and the technical skills needed to be a pro in certain genres. You will learn the basics of EQ mixing to advanced creative tricks combining effects, acapellas and crossfader cutting. Not to mention basic music theory, beatmatching techniques and more advanced transitions according to the demands of each sound. Go for either one of these courses if you’re a DJ who wants to master a particular genre or take the plunge on a new creative direction.
The choice is yours
Crossfader serves as your one stop shop for your development as a DJ and their creative suite encompasses everything you could hope to learn. With their help, you can take not only your skills to the next level, but your confidence will be all the better for the experience of taking professional lessons. So, if you’re a complete beginner or more advanced, they’ll have something to supercharge your journey. Good luck!
We’ve teamed up with Crossfader to offer you 35% off any individual course. Head over to their website and use code MIXCLOUD35 on checkout.