How to start your own DJ business

Want to start your own DJ service? I will show you the tools it takes to be a DJ and how you can make some money having fun playing music!

Things You'll Need

• Transportation
• Stereo equipment
• Laptop
• MP3 music collection
• Lighting (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Create a checklist of the equipment you will need. This would be a healthy amplifier (at least 200 watts per channel), and 2 speakers that are commercial grade. This means constant loading, unloading and setting up use & a little abuse won't kill the speakers. A quality PA speaker will work fine. You should also have speaker stands to get the sound off of the floor where people can hear it. Use only high quality cables from the amp to the speakers, make sure you have a spare set. You will also need a microphone and some verbal skills. Yes you will have to talk to people! Once you have all your equipment together you should turn it on and test it out.

2. 

   Laptop, music and software: There are a lot of DJ programs out there. I found one that is free and easy to use. I also recommend making mp3 play lists ahead of time. (see software in resources) It is best if you know your audience before you get there. Also you want to play music to fit the occasion. If you DJ for a tween crowd you will playing a lot of top 40's and pop music. If the occasion is a wedding dance then you will have to throw in the "Chicken Dance", the "Beer Barrel Polka" and a few other fun classics. Talk to the Bride and Groom before the wedding and find out what songs for the Bride and Groom's first dance, and other special requests they might have. You will need a vast array of different styles and genres of music to please all types of crowds, make sure to fill in your collection thoroughly.

3. Transportation: Gotta have wheels to get there. You will need a vehicle big enough to pack all your stuff in, but still get decent economy so you don't burn up your profits from your gas tank. Only you can decide what's right for you. If you travel alone then a front wheel drive station wagon might be the right car.

4. Getting the gigs: This is easy, do a few free gigs for the teen center until you feel comfortable working with the audience. Call around and find out what others are charging for their services and charge competitively. After all you want to make money at this! Put up posters advertising your services, post ads in the newspaper and on Craigslist.
   Once you get established you will have regular customers for annual events.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are prepared before you start, have a practice night ahead of time.

Resources

• MP3 playlist generator
• Mixxx DJ Software
• DJ Training And Disc Jockey Business Tips