MODULE 1 - Getting Ready
Welcome!
This first self-study module gets you ready to embark on your DJ learning journey. Here you will find self-study material that will help you find your bearings in the Conscious DJ world.
The first video covers some essential history that helps you understand how modern DJ gear came into being. (Pro-tip: you can speed the video up by pressing the little cogwheel underneath the video)
The second video helps you make an important first decision: which DJ software do I choose?
The third video helps you find your first (or second) DJ controller.
The fourth video will help you find and buy music.
The fifth video covers some key musical terms.
This manual is for personal use only. Please see the copyright information inside.
Module 1 - Self study
& 1-on-1 phone call
Module 2 - First steps
Listen to 10 songs
Download the 10 songs below (Zip file). As homework we ask you to import these songs into your music library and to listen to the songs. Truly build a relationship with these songs. Notice the different textures, instruments, quality, emotions, build-up and build-down. A practice of deep listening...
Draw a Wave Form
Listen to Jethro's set: Ecstatic Dance Festival Cyprus 2024. Draw the journey then on a piece of paper (A4): the peaks, rises, falls, breaks, surprises, twists and turns. Be creative :)
Not so short history of laptop DJing
Laptop DJing is the predominant form of DJing for Ecstatic and Conscious dance. Before discussing the different options for your DJ software and DJ controller, we dive into the history of DJing with a laptop. Though this history is short, it is full of interesting developments. Understanding the history offers both insight and context into why DJ programs and controllers look the way they do and how they work.
Choosing your DJ Software
With DJ software your laptop transforms into a full DJ booth. Here, I discuss 5 big names in the 'virutal' DJ game: Serato, Traktor, Rekordbox, DJay, and Virtual DJ. What do these DJ programs broadly do and what are the pros and cons of the different platforms? Also, I'll briefly discuss requirements for your laptop and other considerations.
Choosing your DJ Controller
Choosing your fist DJ controller is hard. Hopefully this video makes it a bit easier ;)
Where to find music?
- the (he)art of listening
- owning versus streaming music
- the big three labels / loudness war
- where to find new, fresh tracks
The KEY to my music - some key terms
Key, Tempo, BPM = the ingredients of any track/music How to find it on the screen, how to feel it in your body
Module 2 - Video first live session 2-11-24
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Conscious DJing
The musical facilitation of a Dance Journey.