How to Become a Mobile DJ | DJ To Hire Articles.

How does someone become a mobile disc jockey? The easy answer is to simply call yourself one. There is no degree and no qualification and yet becoming a mobile DJ involves skill, talent and an incredible amount of nerve as you can easily be spinning your music in front of literally hundreds of people. Entertaining this many people can seem daunting and is a sure fire way to test your metal.

Being a mobile DJ varies from the job of the club DJ or a radio DJ. Simply spending vast amounts of cash on the latest gear or the latest tunes is not enough to make you successful or to get you booked time and time again. Being a mobile DJ also involves being an entertainer as opposed to being a human jukebox. Being a mobile DJ involves reading your audience and choosing you music accordingly. This can involve playing music you would otherwise avoid.

The successful DJ is the one that plays to the audience. Most DJ's will learn to read an audience and are constantly watching the dance floor so that they may figure out what record to play next. AT functions, such as a wedding disco, your audience can be slow on getting to the dance floor. This is where microphone work can break the ice and playing, what I like to call a “floor filler” can come in handy. It may be too soon for “Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams” at this stage, but something like “Forget You – Cee Lo Green” may just give your audience the necessary encouragement.

For some people becoming a mobile DJ will not be a good idea. Others may take to it like a duck to water and have the skills picked up in no time, there is no right or wrong, and there are no set rules when it comes to learning the basics. In my experience the best way, and the most successful way, to becoming a mobile disc jockey is by going along to functions with an experienced DJ and watching what he or she does. There is no substitute for learning at the coal face.

It's always worth volunteering your services to a local DJ when you are starting out as a mobile DJ. Helping out may not make financial sense, but in the long run it is more than worthwhile, as you are learning new and invaluable skills from an experienced DJ. Whatever you do, don't expect to get paid for this volunteer work. Some DJ's may cover your travel or refreshment expenses, but that will be all. Let's face it, they are doing you a favour by teaching you the tricks of their trade.

Learning how to become a mobile DJ by being a roadie is the fastest way to learn the trade. Watching a DJ at work is the fastest way to learn the job. If you were to ask most mobile DJ's how they got into the business, nine out of ten would say they did it this way.

The majority of mobile disc jockeys will have a set up that covers all types of functions. These can vary from weddings to children's parties and from birthdays to anniversaries. This means the DJ should be prepared to play music for all types of age groups. In an ideal world, investment is needed in all genres of music and all eras. A mobile DJ's music collection should range from Rock & Roll, the sixties, seventies, eighties and right up to the present day charts.

Getting started as a mobile DJ can easily be done on a budget of around about the £1000 mark. That will get you a decent set of CD decks, amplifier, speakers and some lighting effects. If you are looking to set up for less than this then it's worth considering buying some second hand equipment. Knowing what equipment you need is knowledge that you will gain from going out as a roadie with an experienced DJ.

The most important piece of kit that you will buy is your music library. Buying a comprehensive music collection should be your priority and your first consideration when starting out. The rest of your set up can easily be added to later. You can upgrade lights or the sound system once the work starts coming in and this justifies your upgrade.

Another must when becoming a mobile disc jockey is enthusiasm and dedication. You must also have a very thick skin and a good sense of humour as there are nights when the audience will know how to do the job better than you do. Most DJ work comes at the weekends, so as your reputation grows and the bookings start coming in, you will find you lose out on a personal life. It is for this reason that you will have to have a very understanding spouse or partner.

You should also obtain some Public Liability Insurance. A business within the UK some have some level of PLI insurance, to protect you in the event of an accident through neglect. The amount of PLI cover can vary from £2 million to £10 million. You will find that £2 Million cover will be more than adequate for a mobile DJ covering a local area. Some hotel chains, however, may insist on a minimum of £5 million before they let you work at their venues.

The final ingredient, in my opinion, is having persistence and belief in what you are doing. When you are starting out its hard work to build up your client base and reputation. There may be weeks upon end when you don’t have any functions and this can be very disheartening, but stick with it. If you believe in what you are doing and trust your own ability then eventually it will happen for you. I hope this has been helpful and the very best of luck.

Scott Wilkinson of DJ To Hire