Disc Jockey (DJ) is a performing artiste who remixes various kinds of music at discotheques, clubs, pubs, restaurants, parties, live shows and wherever there is a need for music by building an ambience, moving the crowd, taking the audience on a musical journey. The art of making people literally ‘dance’ to your tunes lies in assessing the mood of the audience, putting the music seamlessly together in a perfect blend-the right track at the right time. A person who aspires to become a DJ should obviously have a passion for music and a huge knowledge database of music.
What does a DJ do?

A DJ plays music! That’s not all a DJ has to have a team of sound engineers and own sound equipment to set up for events. If a DJ is employed with a pub or a bar and discotheque he or she may not need all these. However if a DJ wants to be independent and perform on his own they would need to own all these equipment and team up with some sound engineers. There is a difference in both the aspects of the profession. If a DJ is employed and works for an organisation he may be on a monthly income and may not earn much. However, if the DJ is independent then they can earn a lot by performing at events. Some DJs are employed and perform at events by juggling between both the aspects of the job. Before a person starts out on being a DJ on their own it is best to work as an assistant under someone and learn the techniques of mixing the sounds and music.

Persona of a good disc jockey:

• Knowledge of different music genres
• Knows how to mix and combine different types of music
• Updated on current hits and trends in music 
• Punctual
• Public Speaking skills
• Works well with others
• Flexible
• Able to communicate well
• Listens to what his clients need
• Attitude & hard work
• Chooses the material carefully based on the needs of the client, the occasion, venue and audience Above all, you must be passionate about music and love interacting with the crowd. You have to be something of a showman-flamboyant and energetic.

What do you need to know to become a DJ?

Although no formal academic qualification is required to become a successful DJ, No specific course is designed for career in disc jockeying. Any one with good sense of popular genres of music and having excellent communication skills can opt for building a career in this field. They need to know about every kind of music like different genres of music like pop, rock, soft rock, folk, hip-hop, metal, country, Jazz, melody and new and old songs. You must really enjoy all kinds of music to masterfully blend mood with passion. You must also be innovative enough to experiment with sound effects and invent something different and interesting each time. Keeping up with new trends and sound tracks released internationally is part of the job. As they play music they need to learn a lot as to what people like listening to, what kind of crowd enjoys what kind of music, where to play what music, should be punctual and comfortable at working for many hours at a stretch and many aspects like these. A good DJ should know how to entertain people and make sure that they are having a good time and enjoying the music.    

Career Prospects 

Disc jockeys would be on high demand, as long as people hire them for entertaining the guests of parties and other occasions. One can work on contract basis with Hotels, pubs, banquets halls, discotheques, farmhouses or with any other place where such parties are organized.

What other pointers should a disc jockey keep in mind?

Many DJ’s who’ve become successful did so through word of mouth. If you act professionally, perform your job well and leave a good impression on your clients, you will get referrals, which in time may land you a major gig. Also make your price competitive. 

Please analyse your interest in music and find out whether you want to play instruments, sing songs or play and mix music. After all, you’re talking about some valuable years of your life. Once sure that DJ’ing is where you want to go, take it very seriously and be ready to work your strike off - nothing comes easy! If you want to do it for the money, don’t even try. Like all professions, money is less in the beginning but once you start making your mark, it gets better. And it’s a Glamorous profession with lots of Money & Fun :) all there once you prove yourself. 

List of Some training Institutes

1. Born Idol School of Music – Delhi
2. Spin Gurus DJ & Remixing Academy -
New Delhi
3. National Dj Training School - New Delhi 
4. Azaredo Acoustics - Mumbai 
5. Splinters Dj School – Mumbai