Beyond the Decks
Beyond the Decks is a DJ education and support program that offers three levels of instruction, open-decks, access to equipment, community, and support for all levels. This community-based collaboration is between Cada Casa, DJ ALoSo, and Portland Center Stage.
Three Levels of Instruction
DJ-101: an intro course where students learn the basics of DJ-ing using their laptop and a provided controller
Performance Development: for students who are proficient in basic techniques but are wanting more advanced techniques on professional equipment
Access Tutorial / Private Instruction: one-on-one sessions tailored to the specific needs of all skill levels of students, taught on equipment of the student’s choice
Open Deck studio time will be an option for those who want access to our professional equipment but do not need instruction. This can be for recording purposes of creating a mix, whether it be for radio shows or personal promotion in their portfolios. It can also be for those just wanting more experience and playtime to enhance their skills with scheduled practice hours.
Below you will find our current schedule of classes, workshops, and open deck times.
Feel free to let us know if you want to receive updates, or want to suggest other times/days/programs.
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DJ-101
A four-week, hands-on introduction to being a DJ. Students explore the hardware (Pioneer digital controller), software (Serato), basic concepts (taught by a Portland-based DJ). For the month, participants will be able to take their own digital controller home with them to practice concepts taught in the course. This class is for students without any, or very limited, experience.
Details:
• Mondays, 6:30-8:00 at Portland Center Stage
• Next Start Date: September 9
• 8 students max
• $150 (including controller rental)
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Performance Development
This four-week program will cater to an intimate group of 2-4 students, looking to evolve from a laptop/controller setup, into a more “club standard” format. Participants learn how to use stand alone CDJs with a well-managed USB drive without the use of a laptop for their entire set. Participants should be proficient in the topics presented in DJ-101 (see below)
Details:
• On Pause for September
Registration: TBD
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Access Tutorial / Private Instruction
These one-on-one sessions allow for the instructor to tailor the curriculum to the needs of the student. It can be for beginners using their controller/laptop wanting help in developing basic techniques, or aspiring DJs who would like feedback and instruction in how to develop a more fluent performance using professional equipment. These sessions will be taught on the equipment of choice of the student, ranging from laptop-driven controllers to the most current professional equipment (Pioneer CDJ-3000s).
Details:
• Scheduling upon request
• $65 per 45min time slot
Registration: Email Us
DJ 101 Details
This class is designed for students who do not have any, or very limited, DJing experience.
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm at Portland Center Stage
Register now:
Equipment & Software
Pioneer SB3 controller w/ personal Laptop set up
Introduction to Serato DJ Lite/ Pro
Basic Intro to DJing concepts/ Understanding of decks.
Music Acquisition & Organization
Focus on gathering MP3’s (resources)
Basic organization focused on software (Serato) with building crates/analyzing files.
Analysis of Song & Music Structures
Introduction into song elements: Frequencies, BPM, keys, bars/loops
Learning the visual aspects of reading wave forms/colors.
Technique Development
Principally cross-fader
Creating Loops
Performance Development Details
Students should be proficient in the DJ-101 topics before taking this class. If you did not take the intro class, a private lesson may be necessary before beginning this course.
On Pause Until October, 2024
Equipment & Software
CDJ’s/ mixer setup as well as Pioneer XDJ stand-alone controllers (students should still bring their laptops for music library organization)
Formatted USB thumb drives with music files.
Understanding of Rekordbox which is used to import music onto USB drives
Music Acquisition & Organization
Acquiring MP3, WAV., AIF, and 320kbs files for the USB library of tracks.
Creating a set list on a USB flash drive and managing playlists through rekordbox
Analysis of Song & Music Structures
Deeper dive into song elements: keys, tempos, intros vs. chorus, 2nd verse, bass lines, effective loops.
Graduating from visual references, into trusting your own ear when using CDJS and not having a laptop.
Technique Development
DIfferent types of fader transitions
Utilizing more advanced understanding of stand alone equipment. Learning about Quantize.
Community-Based
Sound Support
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Instructor: DJ ALoSO
A PDX local DJ, and NYC native. A proud 90s baby raised in the center of cultural diversity of Queens. I was always intrigued with art and music from a young age. Using the art form of DJ’ing allows me to harmonize dark and light aspects of sounds and rhythms to expose the infinite layers of Greys within neutrality. Music comes in all forms of beauteous expression from different cultures, and utilizing them all helps to amplify my passion for connecting communities alike.
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Hands-On Instruction
While the internet provides an unlimited amount of resources, we believe that some things are just better when you learn in person. All of our classes are conducted in small groups, so that students have the ability to practice on their own equipment with personal feedback.
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Equipment Exploration
One barrier to progressing as a beginning DJ is the equipment. In our DJ-101 course participants are given a Pioneer DJ controller, headphones, and speaker so that they can practice at home. We even have one MacBook available for a student who does not have a computer. In more-advanced courses, students have access to professional equipment.
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First Gigs
After completing the four-week course participants will be able to play their mixes at community events. Graduates will also be able to use CadaCasa’s PA equipment to host their own concerts or begin their DJing business.
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Organization
Do you work with an organization that hosts events or puts on concerts? We would love to provide an opportunity for our young DJs to showcase their talent and gain experience in the live-DJ setting. Contact Us if you are interested