Where To Learn Advanced DJing Online: Mentorship And Coursework For Those Going Pro

Many aspiring DJs tend to give up on their dreams when the fun parts start feeling like work. This is a common phenomenon in all creative fields throughout history. Once you have grasped the fundamentals, read all the guides, and practiced 100/10,000 needed to master any endeavor, you realize that some hidden voodoo separates you from the DJs you admire. You search the internet for answers, experiment with new techniques in your live sets, and keep looking for a magic bullet solution to help you go pro. However, expecting different results from doing the same old things is madness. 

Many sites and outlets fail to mention that starting from scratch and learning the ropes of anything requires completely different mindsets, skills, and resources than advancing from a talented beginner to an advanced level. Therefore, the things that worked for you at the beginning of your journey as a DJ will not work as well as they always have for your entire career. 

If you’re struggling to move from a beginner to an advanced-level DJ, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve been around the block a few times and found the places that offer the most value for your money and time invested. So let’s dive in…

One-On-One Sessions With Professionals

When trying to break through the ceiling separating beginners from professionals, there is no denying the power of direct mentorship. Because this difference between the two skill levels will always come down to the details, and online curricula and many masterclasses try to cast too wide of a net, appealing to such a wide range of students that they can’t focus on the specific flaws and shortcomings of you as a DJ.

And finding these mentors isn’t always as complicated as you would think! 

You’d be surprised at how many of your favorite DJs have an ever-growing Patreon community with perks that include 1-on-1 DJ lessons, direct lines of communications so you can fire away one-off questions to them, and more. You can easily spend thousands of dollars on various masterclasses and courses, hunting for the one specific answer to an even more niche question that could have been answered in 10 minutes during a 1on1 session. 

David Hohme, label head at Where The Heart Is Record and popular Anjunadeep artist, offers precisely this service on his Patreon, and with years as an open-format DJ before stepping into the style he is most famous for today, he can be a wealth of information right at your fingertips. And he’s far from the only one, as artists such as Enamour and many others all offer similar services depending on what you’re looking for as an artist. 

Subscribe To David’s Patreon Account Here 

Point Blank Online

Point Blank Online is the leading school for all things the electronic music industry, and its broad curriculum of production, DJing, and industry insight arm you with a top-to-bottom understanding of all it takes to succeed in today’s landscape. And while those simply looking for a narrow focus of study might be overwhelmed at first by the sheer number of different offerings the online (and in-person) school offers, it’s easy to get more granular with your education and focus on the DJing aspect of your musical journey.  

They even launched a new course that specifically dials in on advanced DJing techniques you can learn from home. It’s a fresh new course that, while is beginner-friendly at times, unpacks what it takes to DJing at the advanced and pro level.

What’s best about Point Blank’s DJing school and its broader curriculum is that you can access mentors and their professional instructors. This type of interaction is necessary when you’re looking to level up your DJing skills and go from bedroom amateur to advanced hobbyist or professional. Watching prerecorded videos is excellent to get you started, but you will never be able to iron out the minor details. 

Plus, the fact that they offer varying start dates locks you into a schedule, helping you keep yourself accountable and not letting your improvements and practice sessions fall behind.

Learn More Here 

YouTube (No…Seriously!) 

YouTube receives both praise and criticism from the same people. The platform provides a wealth of knowledge for free, but finding trustworthy sources can be challenging. While most content caters to beginner DJs, a few YouTube channels offer interesting content for the DJing community. The DJ Sounds Show is one channel I often return to, despite not having uploaded a video in a few years. 

However, their archive still contains a wealth of content that showcases master DJs at work. The channel records two angles of DJs in their sound booth, allowing viewers to observe their mixing techniques, use of effects, looping, and EQ handling. The Yotto session is just one example of the many worthwhile videos on the channel.

Toolroom’s DJ Academy

The Toolroom Academy Online DJ Masterclass is an excellent investment for advanced DJs looking to refine their skills and knowledge. The course offers a variety of content with meticulous detail and monthly Q&A sessions led by a seasoned professional, Devstar, which are free for course participants. The unique feature of lifetime access to these live webinars ensures that DJs can continue to learn and grow, benefiting from Devstar’s experience and knowledge throughout their careers.

Although the course initially seems tailored towards House DJs due to Toolroom Records’ genre-specific output, it offers value for DJs of all genres. The techniques taught are non-genre specific and can be applied across different styles such as hip-hop, EDM, or bass music. This makes it a valuable platform for versatile DJs, providing them with an edge in understanding and implementing professional tips from a genre that’s gained widespread acceptance in contemporary club scenes.

While the course currently focuses heavily on Rekordbox, the organization methods, and techniques taught can be adapted to other software platforms like Traktor or Serato, making it relevant to DJs using various platforms. Although the course may lack depth in areas like turntablism and business skills, it presents a well-rounded perspective on the industry, providing a sturdy foundation that can be built upon with further study and practice.

Learn More Here 

…And Don’t Forget About Practice

Welcome! This article may be the most valuable resource you’ll come across, as it discusses the essential steps to advance your DJing skills. Although you may be seeking a premium course or service that promises to unlock your true potential overnight, it’s important to note that these resources will only help you fast-track your progress if you put in the legwork. 

Why? Because DJing is a tactile and responsive skill, meaning muscle memory and fluidity on the knobs and dials of the deck are critical. Additionally, DJing is a creative endeavor, requiring practice to develop a unique style and stand out from the competition. Plus, DJing is a personal experience, with only you on the decks and in the booth, so you must be confident and familiar with the feeling of performing. 

Thus, time is your most valuable resource in learning DJing and progressing as an artist. While courses or masterclasses may promise “50+ hours of coursework,” this means spending over two entire days staring at a screen. Instead, prioritize 1-on-1 interaction and mentorship, and practice your craft. This tandem approach will allow you to cover the most ground in the least time. If you want to jump from hobbyist to advanced-level DJ and plan on investing money, remember that these two factors are the most important for your progress.