| So you want to learn how to DJ on your laptop. | | | | all the music you may have on it. Just don't take |
| You need good software that you can download | | | | the chance. These songs may also have very bad |
| off the internet or buy at your local music store. | | | | quality making your DJ'ing abilities sub-par. Do the |
| It's easier to get from the internet. Some of the | | | | right thing like the Pros. |
| better programs will cost you a few hundred | | | | ALWAYS cross fade. Do not cut songs off and |
| dollars but are completely worth the money due | | | | then start other songs cold. You want to avoid |
| to greater functionality. Most of these programs | | | | any type of accidental musical silence also. If you |
| have trial periods see if you like it, so I suggest | | | | are playing a dance set, you want to BEAT MIX |
| you do that before you buy it. My two favorite | | | | right. look a the BPM (Beats Per Minute) and try |
| programs are Traktor PRO and Virtual DJ, | | | | to find songs within 5-10 BPM's of each other. |
| However I use virtual DJ most often. (I use these | | | | Never go drastic (from 100 BPM's to a song that's |
| programs on a MAC and PC.) | | | | 130bpm's or 130 to a song that is 100) you will |
| Once you have your Laptop program, you'll need | | | | lose your dancers. |
| good music, and the right kind. You have to | | | | However, it is ok to do this if you are changing |
| consider the events you want to DJ at. Go to | | | | the feel of your set. Try to beat mix whenever |
| iTunes and look up the "Top Songs" and download | | | | possible. HOW? Oh My Gosh! You will love this! |
| the styles of music you may need from the Top | | | | When playing a song on your left side, keep your |
| Songs list. When looking at a genre in iTunes, you | | | | fader to the left and choose a song to go on |
| will notice the songs that are most popular by | | | | your right side (similar BPM). Hit play on the right |
| looking at the Download meter next to the song. | | | | side and Hit the "SYNC" button. This synchronizes |
| Songs you MUST Have on hand: recent top 40 | | | | your beats. now slide the slider slowly to the right. |
| (rock, beat hip hop, and dance), Old favorites like | | | | This is the incredible benefit of DJ'ing on a laptop. |
| Frank Sinatra, Classic rock (This may sound funny | | | | It allows you to beat mix with the push of a |
| but also look up "Guitar Hero" or "Rock Band" | | | | button, you just have to learn which button. It |
| songs to find most popular songs kids are listening | | | | took DJ's years to learn how to beat mix on their |
| to from the classic rock era..). Also look up most | | | | records and CD's and you can learn to do this in a |
| popular songs from 2000, the, 90's, 80's, and | | | | few minutes on your laptop using mp3's. |
| disco. Make sure you have a budget for music. | | | | Keep practicing and you'll be a Pro DJ in no time |
| Keep your business ethical by not downloading | | | | at all! Your next step on your Journey as a DJ, is |
| music illegally. Not only is it illegal but many of | | | | to find great Mixes and Set Lists to keep your |
| these songs that are on these illegal sites will have | | | | music organized and easily accessible to rock out |
| VERY BAD VIRUSES that will ruin your laptop and | | | | any and every party. |