DJ Fundamentals

Learn to DJ and perform your first live set

A hands on course that takes you from your first time on the decks to performing a live DJ set, covering equipment, beatmatching, EQ, and effects.

5.0 Google rating

from 200+ reviews, more reviews than any other music production school

Ableton Certified Training Center

1 of 119 worldwide

Active artists as instructors

not career educators

Taught at our NYC location

Also available in Berlin and online

COURSE AT A GLANCE

Duration
Duration

11 weeks

Level
Level

Beginner

Start dates
Start dates

Sept 21
Sept 22

Class size
Class size

5-10 pax

Final Project
Final Project

A final performance showcase

Course outcomes

You'll finish with a DJ set

You start on the fundamentals of the equipment and track selection and build up to beatmatching, EQ, transitions, and effects, finishing with a live 15 minute DJ set.

What you'll accomplish in this course

Learn CDJs and Rekordbox

Learn CDJs and Rekordbox

Loop and set hot cue

Loop and set hot cue

Beatmatch by ear

Beatmatch by ear

Use FX and create transitions

Use FX and create transitions

Read the room and move a crowd

Read the room and move a crowd

Perform a 15-minute set

Perform a 15-minute set

Course Journey

What you'll learn week by week

Equipment and timing
Class 1

Introduction to DJing and equipment: Learn the DJ setup, track selection and the basics of CDJs and mixers.

Class 2

Navigating equipment and rekordbox: Use mixer and CDJ controls, headphone cueing, and prepare tracks in rekordbox.

Class 3

Dropping on the 1 and beatgridding: Count beats, bars and phrases, set cue points and edit beatgrids.

Beatmatching and mixing
Class 4

Introduction to beatmatching: Match BPM with the tempo slider and sync tracks by ear.

Class 5

EQ mixing: Use the jog wheel, EQ and bassline swaps for clean transitions.

Class 6

Phrasing, energy and set building: Align phrases, manage energy and plan a set.

Harmonic mixing
Class 7

Class 7. Harmonic mixing and the Camelot wheel: Detect keys and mix in key for smoother transitions.

Class 8

Class 8. Advanced harmonic techniques and scratching: Use key modulation, creative transitions and basic scratching.

Performance and career
Class 9

Effects and performance techniques: Use effects, loops and hot cues, and build stage presence.

Class 10

Professional development: Find gigs, build your brand and understand contracts and riders.

Class 11

Final performance and wrap-up: Perform a 15 minute live set and get feedback.

Value

What's included?

Everything you need to learn, practice, and keep improving after class.

Live group classes

Learn directly from an experienced DJ in a structured weekly format.

Small group feedback

Personal feedback from pro DJs so you improve faster

Hands on assignments

Apply new concepts each week and use them to build your track

Exclusive discounts

Save up to 50% on selected software

343 Labs certificate

Receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course

Some of your instructors

Learn from active producers

Mentorship from active producers, performers, and engineers shaping today's electronic music scene.

Stella Key
65M+ StreamsClub DJ

Stella Key

Producer DJ Vocal Producer

Producer, DJ, and topliner with releases and collaborations.

Great Dane
TeamSupremeFestival Artist

Great Dane

Producer DJ TeamSupreme Founder

Touring producer DJ and TeamSupreme founder known for bass music production.

John Selway
Techno ArtistLabel Owner

John Selway

Techno Producer DJ Label Owner

NYC techno artist and label owner with decades of releases and touring.

Hear from our students

300+ 5-star reviews
Tess Bianchi Tess Bianchi
Posted on Google

I took the in person Ableton Immersive class and it was amazing! My teacher (Dane) was so knowledgable and inspirational. I feel really comfortable using Ableton now and have two tracks from the class. Also going in person was nice because it kept me accountable. It’s cool that 343 even has that offering since so many people are doing remote only classes. I definitely hesitated at first, but I thought. If I was going to take do a masters program, I would stop working and pay wayyy more money, and I want to learn it so why not do it? That was one of the best decisions of my life. If you are hesitating, just do it! It’s totally worth it.

Shaun Farrugia Shaun Farrugia
Posted on Google

I love taking classes with 343 Labs. I started in 2019, completely fresh. I knew nothing about production or music! If you’re serious about pursuing music production and want to make an investment in yourself, 343 labs was a great place for me to start my journey and figure out what I want to do. It really feels like a community here. The teachers know thier stuff; John Selway and Abe Duque teach here. I took the 2 Ableton Live classes along with Synthesizers for producers. These classes gave me a pretty good grounding in these tools. It’s also helped me navigate the technical depth in this industry. Solid investment for me!

Kristen Barry Kristen Barry
Posted on Google

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience at 343 labs. Instructors are incredibly talented and knowledgeable. Class sizes are small enough that you get a ton of personalized attention and you can learn from the other student’s work as well. No matter what kind of music you want to make, instructors and classmates offer super valuable feedback. If you’ve ever thought about learning how to make electronic music or getting a more intimate understanding of Ableton, Logic, mixing/mastering, etc (they have tons of different courses) I can’t think of a better place.

Jason Todd Jason Todd
Posted on Google

I cannot say enough good things about our experiences with 343 Labs! My teenage son has spent two summers in the 343 Labs summer program (in person last year and online this year) and absolutely loved it. The instructors are all experienced professionals who are equally gifted teachers. My son loves music production (he’s a very advanced student and practitioner for his age) and he’s learned so much in the program. We’ve found 343 Labs to be a nurturing, educational and fun environment that has had extremely positive influence on his development and joy of making music. Everyone at 343 Labs has been incredibly supportive of my son and gone out of their way to stay connected, continually encouraging his development in the most generous and sincere fashion. I should also mention that the facilities are fantastic if you plan to attend in person, but they also do a magnificent job teaching their courses online. Music production is well suited to teaching remotely and with so many activities cancelled now due to COVID its wonderful to have an activity that my son can participate in remotely. We are so happy to be part of the 343 community and I wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering taking classes at 343 Labs to do so. They are the real deal.

Théau Ravier Théau Ravier
Posted on Google

I moved from France just to take the classes and don’t regret my decision. The teachers are high level, we were only 3/4 students on each class, and it really pushed me to learn hards things that i would never have bothered self teaching. I really saw the value of going to a physical location for discipline purpose. Also Berlin is the place to be for networking. And networking is 50% of the job!
Thanks Max, keep it up!!

life-changing
It's not only the classes they offer.
community
343labs fosters a great community.
live performance
Tonight we're performing on stage.

PRICING & SCHEDULE

DJ Fundamentals

DJ Fundamentals

Choose your start date and lock in your spot

Schedule: Sept 21-Nov 30, 2026, Mondays, 7-9pm

Unsure? Talk to our team

FAQS

Still have questions?

Anyone who wants to learn to DJ, from complete beginners to music lovers who want to perform.

No. This is a beginner course with no prior DJing or music knowledge required.

A live 15 minute DJ set you perform in the final class, plus the core skills of beatmatching and mixing.

Headphones, a USB, and a laptop with Rekordbox. We provide the CDJs, mixers and controllers.

You can book a private make-up class for a reduced fee.

Yes. Flexible monthly payment plans are available through Affirm so you can spread the cost.

Call 1-800-243-3405 or schedule a free Zoom with Nacho. We look forward to speaking with you.

Not sure if this is the right course?

Talk to our team about your goals, experience level, and schedule. We'll help you choose the right course.

Call 1-800-243-3405 or book a free call. 
We look forward to meeting you!

Talk to admissions