By Mark Laurell
- Worst: Relying Solely On Yourself
You can’t possibly learn everything you need to know on your own. You can’t objectively critique yourself. You won’t always see what you’re missing.
Instead of going it fully alone, try…
Best: Having A Mentor Or Circle Of Collaborators
Mentors and collaborators are people who understand and share your artistic vision. They see where you are trying to get, and are there to provide insight, inspiration, and perspective. They can take the form of friends, community leaders you look up to, or more traditional teachers. That said, never find yourself…
- Worst: Relying Solely On Clubs And Community Spaces To Workshop Your Sets
While undoubtedly the birthplace of music and culture, community spaces like clubs and parties shouldn’t be the only place you are displaying your work for feedback. They are hectic environments, where details are missed, and fine tuning projects can be difficult. Make sure you are also…
Best: Workshopping Your Progress With A Dedicated Expert
By taking the time to sit down in an intentional way to really hone your craft, you will ensure a more solid educational foundation. You will grow bigger and stronger, as an artist. That said, you probably shouldn’t be…
- Worst: Going To Traditional Music School
Traditional music schools just haven’t (yet) kept up with the world of DJing. They can’t provide you with the education you need, and will saddle you with a lot of debt. Instead try…
Best: Joining A Mentorship Program
Mentorship programs are a great way to get hands-on real world experience from an industry pro who fits your interests and logistical needs. They are also way cheaper than traditional music schools. Recording Connection is a particularly reputable program with a steller DJing program. Having a structure, pushing you forward, will ensure you aren’t…
- Worst: Only Studying Things You Are Interested In
Music is serious business and to become the best artist you can, you are going to have to go outside of your comfort zone. You are going to have to delve into things that bore and scare you. That’s the only way to make sure you’re…
Best: Building A Vast Knowledge Base Of Music Skills And Technique
Who knows where inspiration will strike. By taking your craft seriously, and widening your scope of studies, you will allow yourself to evolve as an artist. Otherwise you might come off like you’re just…
- Worst: Pursuing DJing For Clout
Which we all know is the cardinal sin of this artform. This artform that was born out of rebellion and revolution. The Bronx, Chicago, Berlin, and Detroit. Places where people spat in the face of what was expected of them, creating hip-hop and disco and techno and house. To honor the memory of our DJ elders, we have to make sure we are…
Best: Pursuing DJing For Community, Culture, And A Love Of Music
Otherwise, you’ll look like a jerk…