Disc Jockey

Description

A disc jockey, more commonly known as DJ, plays different types of music in parties, discos, nightclubs and other events. They may also work for a radio station and play music there. They have a deep understanding of music which causes them to do a good job. Some DJs specialize in one or the other type of music such as pop, jazz, rock or any other.

Common Duties/Routines

A disc jockey plays music for many different types of people for many reasons. Their most important duty is to develop good playlists by incorporating and mixing different songs and music and adding a variety of beats to them. For this purpose, they use a variety of equipment such as speakers, microphones, mixers, amplifiers etc. And also, many format types such as vinyl, mp3 and others.

They work in nightclubs, parties, radio stations and other events. Sometimes they are even hired for playing at weddings. At a radio station, they play different songs, sometimes their own mashups and other times what the listeners demand. They can also be part of a team and be part of a talk show and be involved in talking to listeners sometimes or during special times of the day such as at night, in between playing songs or when it is the rush hour as listeners want someone to listen to or provide some sort of entertainment when they are stuck in their cars, unable to reach their destination. The DJs working this way are an important part of their radio station and sometimes even gain popularity among the viewers. Disc jockeys have to make sure that their program is running without any problem or hitch and do things to keep their show interesting for example they might talk to different listeners, read their messages, call other funny people on their show and doing interviews. They also discuss ideas and opinions with their producers to make the and team to make the show better and discuss playlists to be played for future shows. Also, punctuality is extremely important when doing a show at a radio station as the show has to start on time and no delays are possible.

Disc jockeys might also be part of a company such as a music company or an event company and set up sound systems and play music when they are hired for special events such as anniversaries, weddings, corporate events, at bars and other places to provide the audience with musical entertainment. They play song requests and other kinds of music suitable to the occasion. 

They also supply their sound system services and their music skills to parties arranged by different people at their homes.

Disc jockeys sometimes also appear and host live events such as many promotional events or concerts held at malls, parks or hotels.

Disc jockeys also work with different people such as dancers, who can dance at the party and uplift the mood and keep the atmosphere alive and lively, or singers, who sing along to the beat of the music and add life to the party. They also manage and change the lighting and spotlights according to the beat of the music to give a more added effect.

A DJ also has to keep track of all the changing music trends, what music the public will enjoy more and have a knowledge of the different music genres to help make their music better and more likeable to people.

Required/Trained Skills

• Knowledge of all the music genre, different musical equipment and a general love and connection to music.
• Friendly and fun-loving personality to be the life of the party.
• Good speaking skills, especially for doing radio shows, to talk to and connect with the public so that they give priority to your show over the others.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact with different types of people.

Education requirements

There no such educational requirements to be fulfilled to pursue this profession. However, most people serving as DJs do have a high school diploma. Prior experience such as being DJ at a college party or hosting a college radio station increase the chances of landing more jobs or getting hired by companies.

Salary/Compensation

A disc jockey can be expected to earn an average of $30,000. Salaries vary, however to where you work and how popular you are. To progress in this profession, you need to make a name for yourself and be recognized by the general public.