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