Must-have skills for professional DJs


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Passion alone is not enough to achieve greatness in the music industry. One must have the right set of skills to even compete against local and international talents. The same can be said when aspiring to be a professional DJ. No matter how expensive your gear is, skill is what separates those who play in small clubs and packed concert venues. DJ Rama shares his must-have skills for professional DJs.

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Mixing: This is the bare minimum when it comes to DJ skills. Thankfully, this can be learned through countless hours of rigorous practice, as well as online or physical schooling. It may not be required, but DJs should be able to mix physically through their deck as well as a computer program.

Reading the crowd: DJ Rama claims that crowd reading is essential when it comes to playing live sets. You can learn this by experience, as well as watching other DJ sets. Observe how the performer reacts to the crowd, what they play, and so on. If you were reading the crowd, could you answer back? If things are starting to get predictable, what would you play next?

Music history: Having an incredibly in-depth knowledge of music is always an advantage for any musician and is especially handy for DJs. If you're in your studio trying to come up with something new, vast knowledge of songs can easily give you the sample that's right for your song.

Networking and promotions: These may not be skills tied to performing, but a professional DJ should also learn networking and promotions. Keep in mind that the entertainment business is filled with other talents, as well as opportunities. DJ Rama claims that DJs shouldn't rely purely on going viral, or having people talk about their music. You have to do your share of work as well. By connecting with other DJs, you can open your door to collaborations, learn from them, or even share a gig.

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