What Does a DJ Do? Types of DJ Jobs and Skills
Updated: 4 days ago
A DJ plays recorded music for an audience and mixes the songs so the music never stops. Club DJs, wedding DJs, mobile DJs and radio DJs all do this in different settings. A DJ also picks the music, sets up and tests the gear, and reads the crowd.
What a DJ does
Chooses the music. The first job is to give the audience what suits the moment. A wedding crowd and a club crowd want different things.
Mixes the tracks. The DJ blends songs with beatmatching, EQ and transitions, so the dance floor keeps moving. See our guide to DJ mixing techniques.
Reads the crowd. A good DJ watches who dances and adjusts the next song.
Handles the gear. Many DJs bring their own equipment. They arrive early to set up and test it.
Keeps a music library. They add new tracks and keep backups, so a gig never stops for a missing file.
Promotes themselves. Self-employed DJs find clients through word of mouth, social media and a simple website.
Types of DJ jobs
Club DJ. Plays in nightclubs and lounges, often electronic, hip-hop or popular dance music. Clubs often use CDJ setups.
Wedding and event DJ. Plays at weddings, receptions, birthday parties, school dances and corporate events. This DJ plays a wide mix that suits every age in the room, and often works as the host too.
Mobile DJ. Brings sound gear to the venue. Mobile DJs run their own small business.
Radio DJ. Hosts shows on a radio station. Some produce and syndicate their own shows.
DJ-producer. Makes original tracks as well as playing sets. Our Ableton Live Basics course is a start for this path.
Where DJs work
Most DJs are self-employed. Some work for nightclubs, bars or reception halls, and some join companies that assign them to events. Some are self-employed but play at one venue on a set schedule.
DJs work in bars and clubs, banquet halls, weddings and family parties, school and office events, concerts, fairs and festivals.
Skills a DJ needs
Technical skills. Know the mixer, the decks and your software.
Music knowledge. Know many genres and keep up with new releases.
People skills. Be reliable, friendly and easy to talk to.
Business sense. Quote fair prices and be clear about what they include. Our post on what DJs make per night gives rough fees by country.
How to start
You don't need a degree or a license. Start with the basics of mixing, then play for friends. Our 8-step roadmap to become a pro DJ shows the path. We also post tutorials on YouTube.
Want a tutor? Our Online DJ Classes are live and one to one on Zoom, open to students worldwide. Our studio in Hyderabad also offers in-person courses.
Frequently asked questions
Is DJing a good career?
It can be, but income varies widely. Many DJs start part-time. See our guide to what DJs earn per night in the US, UK, Canada and India.
Do DJs make their own music?
Some do and some don't. You can be a DJ without producing, but production skills open more doors.
What is the difference between a DJ and a producer?
A DJ plays and mixes recorded music. A producer makes the music. Many people do both.
Do I need my own equipment?
For some gigs, yes. Clubs usually have their own gear. Wedding and mobile DJs often bring sound equipment.
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