How to become a Dj?

Answer 1

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How to Become a Radio Disc Jockey
by eHow Careers & Work Editor
Introduction
You need a pleasant speaking voice and excellent verbal skills for this job. On the air, you may introduce music, conduct interviews, and read commercials and even the weather forecast.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Steps
1Step OneTake speech, drama and English courses in high school and college. Make tapes of your speaking voice and ask your speech and drama teachers for their opinion of your vocal projection.
2Step TwoConsider working part-time while you are in high school as a mobile disc jockey at parties. Observe experienced mobile DJs and you'll learn what's good vs. what's unprofessional. Find out from them what equipment you need. If you're really good, you can eventually advance to more formal affairs, such as weddings. The experience will be priceless.
3Step ThreeAsk your guidance counselor for a list of colleges and universities that specialize in broadcasting.
4Step FourApply to several schools that offer a broadcasting degree with a radio emphasis. Although it's not always necessary for a DJ to have a degree, it will give you a major advantage within the broadcasting industry.
5Step FiveGain experience at your college radio station by doing any work that will teach you about radio broadcasting, a station's equipment and the problems associated with airtime. Offer to be the DJ or radio announcer at the station during unusual hours. Then make a tape of the show and include the experience on your résumé.
6Step SixGet an internship of any kind at a local radio station while you're in college. It can sometimes lead to a permanent position. Realize that you will most likely be doing office work initially, not talking into a microphone or running the board. But you need this experience.
7Step SevenConsult your broadcasting adviser about the availability of entry-level radio jobs through the college.
8Step EightConsider a radio job at a small community station after graduation if the opportunity presents itself. You'll probably begin with an entry-level position to learn the ropes, but your chances of speaking on the air in the near future will be far greater than in a larger market. The large markets want you to have had several years of on-air experience.
Tips & Warnings
Become an expert on a variety of interesting topics. Prepare demo tapes that demonstrate your knowledge and your excellent speaking voice.
Time management during a show and the ability to connect with your audience are key skills to have in this field.
Be prepared for the possibility of unusual working hours if you become a DJ.
Overall Things You'll Need
Tapes Or CDs
Tape Or CD Players
Portable Tape Recorders
Postage Stamps
Stationery
Individual School Requirements And Application
Pens
Member Comments
by on 9/8/2006
Radio has changed - Music radio has gone through some major changes. The quest for great programming is not as great as it was in the 60s and 70s. The business is run more like a McDonald's these days. If you're looking for creative work, consider TV or Internet related content.
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by dan burleson on 11/22/2005
Easier than you think... - To get an on-air radio job, just start knocking on doors of smaller radio stations around the market you ultimately wish to be in. For instance, get to know all of the Program Directors of the AM radio stations around town. Keep trying. You'll probably start with a weekend or overnight shift. On your first job, just develop a professional competence with your on-air "technique". Then, start injecting personality and poise. From the moment you first go on-air aircheck every minute of your on-air time. Oh, and money? Unless you have a stellar personality, or are a long term (15 years) local DJ, expect to make an average of about $1500/month. Breaking out into the big bucks takes time, talent, and a helluva lot of luck. Now, get out there and start talking to Program Director! Be aggressive. Be willing to do remotes, community service promotions, and anything that will help. Start showing up at all radio station functions. It is extraordinarily easy to perpetuate your career as a radio DJ once you nail that first weekend shift that nobody wants. Good Luck!
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by eHow Friend on 11/22/2005
Have a back-up plan - As an on-air radio personality I can tell you it is the exciting and fun job everyone thinks it is....however, if you plan to become one, have a back-up plan. Today's radio market is ever-changing and many companies rely on computers to do the dj's job.
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by dan burleson on 11/22/2005
Newsflash: Hard Work and Little Pay - The average yearly salary of the typical DJ you listen to now on the radio is $20,000.
And yes, you do work MUCH more than your four-hour airshift. There's production (cutting, editing commercials for broadcast), administrative, community service, etc. The average weekly time on the job for a DJ is 50 hours. The good news is that for those who stand out in one respect or another, the big bucks ARE out there. You must be willing to relocate often and take your time. Other than that, it's a wonderful "job". Heck, it sure beats working for a living.
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by Allan Hincapie on 11/22/2005
Plan on moving - I am 29 and have been in radio since I was 13. I have worked at 10 radio stations in 5 different states. Radio formats change and lots of times so does the staff. Plan on moving around a lot until you get to where you want to be, and even then keep a suitcase packed.
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Answer 2

What sorta DJ do you wanna be?
A radio DJ?
A mobile DJ? (playing at weddings etc)
or a club DJ? (mixing with turntables and CDs etc)

I cant help you much with the first, somewhat with the 2nd but i can defintly give you tips for the 3rd!

Answer 3

styviesblu - me personally I want to be a club DJ!

Any advice on where to start?

For one I posted that I want to be an apprentice on Craigs list doing what ever they need me to do from running errands, setting up their equipment, etc.

What do you think?

Answer 4

Listen to music...............

When you're done,. try to recognize that you are only a small

part of the keg

You might have some competition

Answer 5

http://www.thebillu.com/