How does one go about learning how to control night club dance floor lights?

Question

I'm talking about the new intelligent lighting that night clubs have now-a-days. ...and while we're on this topic, how does one go about learning how to become a good DJ? ...with mixing and transitioning and matching up the same BPM's and all that sorta thing? I checked and my community college doesn't have any course that teaches this stuff. Thank you.

Answer 1

Delta University (MS), Vanderbilt U, Belmont College are three institutions of higher learning with respected "music business" programs, which allow you to minor in a field such as recording arts or publishing or Performance management, etc.

Yet, it sounds as if you may be seeking a vocational school.

That aside, most of my successful friends in the biz started out just "hanging around" those who were doing the things they wanted to do.

If you are sincere in wanting to learn these skills, just about anyone on the road can use an extra hand, but they cannot afford to pay for your training. So, going along for the ride and paying your way for the first year may be one way of getting your foot in the door and smarts in your head.

I would look around close to home and check out the types of venues that are doing the types of things that interest you. Approach the soundman or the stage manager (or whatever they call themselves) and ask them their opinions.

Some may take you on as an apprentice/intern, and you can approach it as a serious hobby until you reach the point of being able to find employment in the biz.

I would advise you to focus on learning operations, but not to get sucked into investing your own money on equipment. Technology changes so quickly these days, that it only takes about 18 months for your investment to become useless.

I know that one of the community colleges out in San Diego (Palomar, maybe?) has a music business path that focuses more on sound production, recording, reinforcement and other hands-on skills.

You might want to move to a place that has an inexpensive program such as that.

As for the first step to being a good D.J....let the force be with you little one...just start doing it at home, even in your head.

Find out if you have a natural knack for mixing songs in your head and imagining which transition will work the best; which playlist will keep the club in motion and the drinks being bought and your salary stable.

Don't let the industry convince you that it is all about learning. It's also about what you bring to the table as a creative entity.

I'm sure our music styles and tastes are light years apart, but the basics of the industry are Universal.

May all your dreams be irrational and lead to irrational happiness!

Answer 2

~ Good qustion, Heynowved...

Suggestion #1: volunteer to do the 'grunt' work for the facality that you admire... clean restrooms... clean floors... clean tables... DO IT FOR FREE... show your INTEREST IN THE EQUIPMENT... If you are faithful to volunteering to help... in the name of the engineer who's job you covet... and they see your desire... that you are asking knowledgable questions on the gear (you ARE a student of reading up on the equipment they have... on lighting principles... www videos on lighting aspects... and, in a short time, they may just let you step in and watch... later, to do a minor gig with them... who knows!

Now, Heynowved... another idea would be to get involved with your church's sound and lighting crews. If it's a big enough church, and you (again) volunteer to coil mic cables, set-up, tear-down stage equipment... consistantly... through the approval of your Pastor in charge of these areas... and, you are faithful in the little things... and through prayer... you just may be in a position to sit in the hot seat some day doing just that. This can be a stepping stone to bigger venues.

Lastly, Heynowved...
The newest technologies are VERY EXPENSIVE... and not just any Joe/Jane can pop in on the scene and be able to get within sniffing range, let alone to touching the computer controls for the laser light show, the smoke machines, the digital pyro effects panel... or what ever. It will take time.
Study at least ONE HOUR A DAY in your FIELD OF INTEREST.
IN A YEAR'S TIME, YOU CAN BECOME AN EXPERT...
and that's where you are headed, Heynowved... to be an expert...

I'm excited for you, in that YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!
Now, just do the research, the volunteer work, the study, apply yourself, pray, and give God get the glory for your success along the way.

Answer 3

you get in with a club owner and let the djs mentor you cause some of them control them lights

Answer 4

I don't know. Why don't you go into a few nightclubs and ask the people working there. They'd probably be flattered to talk about it.

Answer 5

Start your own club.......*