DJs present, mix and link recorded music for a live or radio audience. They use a wide variety of equipment including turntables and mixers; tape decks; amplifiers and headphones; graphic equalisers; and multimedia and sound processors.

There are three main types of DJ:

Radio DJs are broadcast presenters that work at radio stations providing links between music tracks. Links are filled with, for example:

• conversation, anecdotes or jokes
• phone-ins
• adverts
• news, weather and traffic items
• interviews.

Radio DJs usually present a programme that reflects their personality and musical interests. They use mixing techniques, improvisation and work to a tight timing schedule. For more detailed information on radio work see TV/Radio Presenter.

Club DJs mix music and use other techniques to create a performance for a dance audience. They need to be aware of the venue’s music policy and the club-goers' tastes. Techniques they may use include:

• pitch control
• scratching
• drop and MP3 mixing
• cross fading
• beat matching and juggling
• effects processing
• sampling and sequencing.

Mobile DJs provide musical entertainment and a fun atmosphere at weddings, parties and other social events. They normally provide their own music (on vinyl and CDs) and equipment.

Hours and Environment

DJs work irregular and varied hours depending on their time slot, for example a radio DJ may work a morning show or a club DJ will often work into the early hours of the morning. They are likely to spend some time preparing a play list, setting up equipment and travelling to venues.

The working environment varies. Mobile DJs might work in village halls, pubs, public buildings, or outdoors. Radio DJs may work in air-conditioned studios or occasionally at outdoor events. Club DJs normally work in hot, loud and smoky environments.

Some DJs work on a part-time or casual basis combining DJing with another source of income.

Skills and Interests

To be a radio DJ or presenter you need:

• a confident and outgoing personality
• a clear speaking voice
• a good sense of timing and co-ordination
• enthusiasm for music or current affairs
• some understanding of technical sound engineering equipment
• research and interviewing skills
• the ability to ad-lib and think on your feet
• calmness under pressure and the ability to work to strict deadlines
• ‘multi-tasking’ ability.

Entry

There is no set career route for DJs and formal qualifications are not always necessary.

Entry differs depending on whether a DJ works for a radio station or is self-employed. DJs should be able to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of a particular area of music, technical equipment and DJing techniques. Freelance DJs will need to promote themselves as a business and be persistent to get DJ slots.

Would-be radio DJs can gain experience from work placements with the BBC or commercial radio stations. It is important that new entrants do some research about their potential audience. Working in a related job such as radio broadcast assistant, may be a useful starting point. Contact BBC Recruitment or the RadioCentre for more details.

Voluntary work with hospital, college or community radio is a valuable way of gaining practical experience. For details of volunteering opportunities and training, contact the Community Media Association or the Hospital Broadcasting Association.

Club DJs often start by building their reputation in bars, and move on to establishing a residency at a club after making contacts in the industry. They will often create a mix CD or demo to demonstrate their skills.

Training

For radio DJs, training in broadcasting, music production and media can be useful, and courses are available at various levels including City & Guilds (7500) or (7790) levels 2 and 3 in Media Techniques (Radio). There are also short courses in radio, MIDI or digital audio technology, such as Cubase, Logic or Wavelab.

For club DJs, training is available in DJing techniques:

• NCFE or OCN in Mix DJ Skills
• BTEC National Award in Music Technology (DJ Technology)
• short vocational courses in DJ skills, mixing, music technology and production.

Degrees and BTEC HNDs in music technology or sound engineering may also be useful, or in media production for radio DJs.

Contact Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries, and the Radio Academy for more details of radio training.

In some areas, young people may be able to join community-based training schemes to develop their DJing skills and experience.

Opportunities

Most DJs are either self-employed or are offered freelance contracts. It is important that they build their reputation, are successful networkers and are committed to self-promotion. Occasionally, DJs are employed by clubs and the hospitality industry.

Successful DJs can find work opening events and giving personal appearances. There are also increasingly good opportunities for experienced club DJs to work abroad.

DJs can move into music production, music retailing and recording. They could become club promoters, agents, remix producers, record distributors or musical artists in their own right.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

In the early stages, some DJs work unpaid to gain experience. 

Average earnings for DJs are between £50 and £300 a session.
Very experienced club and radio DJs may earn £1,000 or more per session.
Top club DJs can earn over £100,000 a year.

Since most DJs are freelance, annual income varies depending on their reputation and experience. Top club DJs may work several sessions at different venues in one night or weekend.

Further information

5 Market Place
London
W1W 8AE
Tel: 020 7255 2010 The Workstation
15 Paternoster Row
Sheffield
S1 2BX
Tel: 0114 279 5219 PO Box 48305
London
W12 6YE Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB The Radiocentre
77 Shaftsbury Avenue
London
W1D 5DU
Tel: 020 7306 2603