- Learning how to DJ can be a daunting experience
- However, digital technology has made DJ easier and more versatile than ever
- A whole industry of great online courses has emerged. Explore the best below…
- Also, check out our post on the best DJ record pools for all music styles
In what I commonly refer to as the “old days,” learning to DJ simply involved buying a pair of SL120s, a battle mixer, and some vinyl.
You would then lock yourself away in the bedroom, practicing your latest scratches and beat-matching until you were ready to share with the anticipating outside world.
Today’s digital DJs have it so much better with a wider range of tools available to enhance their sets. No more sticking white tape as cue points on your vinyl!
Technology comes with a cost though of a steeper learning curve. Fortunately, a whole range of djing courses are available online, with some of the more advanced courses even teaching you how to produce your own tracks.
Join me as I take a look at five of the best online DJ courses in 2022 and even take a look at a couple of free courses (everybody likes a freebie!)
What Are the Best Online DJ Courses Today?
When looking for the best online DJ courses, without a doubt, the most comprehensive course and suitable for DJs of all levels was the djcoursesonline.com website.
For a reasonable $19 a month you get access to over 10 online courses which cover all the major platforms (Traktor, Serato, RekordBox, etc..)
If you are willing to splash the cash, the credible choice would be Point Blank DJ Skills, which was chosen as the “Best Music Production School” by DJ Mag readers.
Although more expensive, this course features big-name DJs as instructors and includes 1-on-1 classes too.
- Djcoursesonline.com (Our Pick)
- Point Blank DJ Skills
- Armin Van Buuren
Masterclass - SkillShare: DJING LIVE: From Setup to Soundcheck (Best for Beginner DJs)
- How to Become a DJ – Learn How to Start DJing Online Today
Looking to download tracks for DJ’ing? Check out our article Top 7 DJ Music Download Sites (Categorized By Style).
1. Djcoursesonline.com
OUR PICK
DJ Courses Online
Whether you’re just learning the ropes or looking to hone your craft and become a worldwide phenomenon, these courses are fully equipped to take your passion to the next level and beyond.
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If there were a bible for DJs, it would read something like the djcourseonline program. Of all the courses we look at, it is the most in-depth and focuses solely on the art of DJing.
Features
- Over 100 hours of videos
- 14 full courses for DJs of all skill levels
- Unlimited access on-demand to any of the courses
Overview
The DJ Courses online take my number one spot due to the sharp focus on DJ skills and the knowledge of every aspect of djing techniques it offers.
Some of the techniques the course covers include:
- Beat matching
- Mixing in key
- Song structure
- DJ equipment
- Use of EQ
- Effects
- Loops
- Samples
- Backspins
- In-depth scratching techniques
All the major DAWs are covered, including Serato, Traktor, and Ableton Live.
The primary instructor, DJ TLM, has over 25 years of experience in the industry both as a DJ and producer, with other tutors including a certified Ableton teacher and a former employee of Native Instruments.
Presented in an easy-to-follow format, with over 100 hours of content, DJcoursesonline.com offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you should ever be dissatisfied and an excellent email support option too.
Pros
- Works on both mobile and desktop platforms
- In-depth and even covers topics like DJ branding and Career tips
- Ableton Live production course also included
Cons
- No option to purchase a lifetime subscription. Monthly only payment
- Not big-name DJs as instructors like many of the competitor courses
- No certification is offered
2. Point Blank DJ Skill
Point Blank Music School | DJ Skills
This course equips you with the technical and creative concepts you’ll need to be a professional DJ, and play live sets across the globe. You’ll learn how to DJ using industry-standard tools like Pioneer DJ’s Rekordbox.
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With a student list that includes both Goldie and producer Patrick Topping, Point Blank is one of the most credible DJ courses online.
The student network of Point Blank, with access to weekly masterclasses, specialized WhatsApp groups, and a student forum, is simply unrivaled.
Features
- A three-month live course. Not on demand like other DJing courses I have looked at
- Weekly online classes
- Diploma on finishing the course
Overview
Hopefully, the price of the Point Blank online course hasn’t put you off, and you are still flicking through this review rather than skipping it.
Many would argue that this three-month course is worth every cent, even if you aren’t into the social side of things.
If you are a beginner DJ concerned about the considerable investment required, you may be better looking at some of the free resources on the PioneerDJ website we look at later.
This is one of the most practical djing courses online and not only teaches you the advanced techniques and the logistics of managing your library and even the gigs you play.
If Goldie can learn from these guys, then I’m sure they can also teach you something.
Pros
- Experienced instructors, including DJs from Wu-Tang Clan and Ministry of Sound, Space in Ibiza, and Scratch Pervert DJs
- Bi-weekly 1-on-1 online sessions and masterclasses
Cons
- Can be expensive for many beginner DJs at $450
- Aimed more at Hip Hop market, although other Point Blank advanced courses are also available
3. Armin Van Buuren Masterclass
Armin van Buuren Teaches Dance Music
Learn how to make dance music from the platinum-selling producer voted No. 1 DJ in the world five times by DJ Magazine.
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Music production is a large part of being a DJ in the modern technological age.
I’m sure you all know Armin Van Buuren is an iconic producer and DJ who has won the best DJ in the world award 4 times in the iconic DJ Mag Best DJs poll and has even been Grammy-nominated.
Features
- An on-demand course. Choose when and how long you want to learn for
- PDF workbooks to be downloaded for use on the go
- An annual subscription method starts from just $15 a month
Overview
This course is ideal if you are interested in trance or EDM music production.
With advanced courses that use Ableton or Pro Logic tools, you can learn many of Armin Van Buuren’s techniques while building your set or next production.
The subscription will also allow you to purchase extra access to advanced courses from deadmau5, Timbaland, and many more.
Just be careful how many add-ons you purchase and whether you need all the DJing courses.
Pros
- Learning from one of the best with advanced courses which use Logic
- Also covers playing and remixing live
Cons
- Maybe a bit too trance orientated for some DJs
- Masterclass subscription tries too hard to sell other masterclasses too
4. SkillShare: DJING LIVE: From Setup to Soundcheck
Young Guru’s course is a must-have for aspiring hip-hop DJ.
Ideal for any beginner DJs or those at an intermediate level it can guide you from the very start of setting up your DJ gear for live performances.
Features
- A top-rated course with over 5000 students and a satisfaction rating of 91%
- The best course for complete beginners choosing their new hardware and how to set it up
Overview
If you’re looking for an online course for your first hip-hop DJ set, this is a solid course for many beginner DJs.
Responsible for many of the top hip-hop hits from Jay Z, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys, DJ Guru is a legendary engineer.
This course will ensure your next house party is rocking from the general setup to soundcheck.
Just don’t expect a comprehensive guide to more advanced techniques; some better Skillshare courses available for DJ techniques can be accessed through this app.
Pros
- As one of the top audio engineers, Young Guru gives unrivaled advice on your DJ setup
- Projects are given out for students to further their skills
Cons
- Only covers setting up your gear and the software. Lacks depth on advanced techniques like beat matching
- Not as hands-on as some other DJing courses
5. How to Become a DJ – Learn How to Start DJing Online Today
Udemy - How to Become a DJ
Learn how to become a DJ online:This best-selling, top-rated Udemy DJ course is a complete masterclass with 11 hours of original, high-quality instruction.
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It’s rare to look at any of the best online courses without at least one Udemy course cropping up. Udemy is the online courses market leader with many varied subjects available.
They have various DJ resources, including a Wu-Tang Clan
Features
- An 11-hour course available on demand
- Instructors are available to reach out to answer any questions
Overview
With this
Following this, you will learn the basic techniques before a mentor will demonstrate how to make an engaging playlist and Dj techniques for playing out live.
In the final part of the 11-hour program, you will learn advanced techniques to add showmanship to your DJ sets and more precision.
This is the complete course from start to finish and will help any new DJ create a set that will be remembered.
Pros
- Every topic is covered from the very start and needs no previous knowledge
- Demonstrations at every step make it easier to follow the course
- Full access to over 51 lectures
Cons
- Can be expensive for many new DJs
- No certification is offered at end of the course
The Best Free Online DJ Courses
Unfortunately, you will struggle to find a free online DJ course in 2022.
PioneerDJ offers a learn-how-to DJ course on their site, which lists many of the best free online resources and links to their instructional videos on Youtube.
Another great resource available online to aspiring DJs is Laid Back Luke tutorials.
Although you will find many short clips offering advice from Djs on Youtube, with over a quarter of a million subscribers Laid Back Luke is one of the most popular online Youtube DJs/tutors.
Digital Dj Tips also offers some free foundation courses and their renowned paid subscription courses.
Available in up to 13 parts they will cover the basics of how to succeed at DJing and music library management tips.
Summing Up
Whether you are entirely new to the DJ world or just somebody wanting to brush up their skills, hopefully, I have shown the wide availability of DJ courses you can find online.
DJcoursesonline.com is perhaps the best resource a DJ will find outside of going to a physical DJ school in the real world.
Learn at your own pace like with any other online course and you are free to cancel anytime.
Please let us know if you think we have missed any of your favorite online courses. Likewise, feel free to share the courses we have looked at with any of your fellow DJ or wannabe DJ buddies.
FAQs
Are DJ Courses Worth the Cost?
I would argue yes, but it depends on what you want from a course. Although free online courses are available, they rarely cover the advanced techniques you will find in the paid-for subscriptions.
Skillshare offers a free seven-day trial when you sign up, which allows access to all the Skillshare courses on their site. Why not give it a spin?
Can You Learn to DJ Online?
Absolutely! Just like learning a language online, you can learn to DJ at your own pace.
Videos can be watched several times, and you will never miss an instructor’s word again as you can rewatch until you learn even the most advanced djing techniques.
How Quickly Can You Learn to DJ?
How long is a piece of string? Some people will just have a natural affinity for DJing and may perform like Fatboy Slim or Armin Van Buuren within a week.
For others, it may be a steeper learning curve, and that’s where the best online DJ courses come in.
Most courses that are not on demand will offer a three-month program, but you will get a diploma or certification at the end of this term.
What are the Qualifications Needed for a DJ?
None of the courses we have looked at are going to ask for entry requirements. I would say a love of music, the crowds, and the equipment are the only prerequisites.
If you are interested in producing your own music, that’s a bonus.
Advanced sound engineering and music production are now within the reach of everybody, with different computer software or DAWs being the most common method of performing or producing new music.
What Software do Most DJs Use?
Most professional DJs will use one of the big three for live performance: Serato DJ, Traktor, or RekordBox.
Other DJing software is available like Virtual DJ, which can be the best choice for karaoke DJs, and more straightforward packages like DecaDance are available for bedroom DJs.
Or music production professional DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Logic are the go-to choices.
Live also allows DJs to perform live and remix on the fly.
