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) and get their first live gig. For the month, participants will be able to take their own digital controller home with them to practice concepts taught in the course. At the end of the series of workshops, members will have access to all of the equipment, including a full PA system that allows them to host their own parties or book their own gigs. Participants will also be invited to participate in live events with their instructor.

Program Specifics

When

Wednesday Evenings, 7-8:30pm

New session starts mid-March, fill out the interest form above if you want to be notified

Where

Portland Center Stage

128 NW 11th Ave,

Portland, OR 97209

Who

This is an all-ages class, but will probably be mostly adults

Next youth series will be part of Bigger Than Hip Hop

Price

$85 for the four-week session

As always, reduced rates and scholarships are available. Contact us for more info

  • 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.

  • 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. This class is conducted in small groups (no larger than four) where each participant has their own controller and computer.

  • Equipment Exploration

    One barrier to progressing as a beginning DJ is the equipment. For four weeks students 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.

  • 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.

  • Participants

    Due to the limitations of equipment, this is a small-group activity and space is limited. The August set of workshops will be offered for free. You do not need DJing experience to take this class.

  • 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

Class Breakdown

Class 1: Equipment & Software

Topics Building playlists, organizing music library, importing songs

Class 2: Intro to Serato DJ

Different parts of the controller, how the controller interacts with Serato, matching songs (BPM Color (Hi, mids, lows, Beat matching)

Class 3: Cue Points

Analyzing keys, blending, bar format (8, 16, 32), auto-looping

Class 4: Effects

Scratching, Fading, Fine-tuning, live performance