7 of the Best Online DJ courses in 2022
Written by ADMIN on 22/12/2022
Overview
In this simple guide, we’ll lay out 7 of the best online DJ Courses in 2022. For full context, we highly recommend you read the two short sections below.
We’ll address exactly WHO the courses are best suited to as we go through the list!
Note: When we say best online ”courses”, we actually mean the best online course PROVIDERS., so they’re either a specific DJ school or an online learning platform of some sort. Many of them offer multiple DJ courses, which we’ll discuss.
Why spend money on an online DJ course?
It’s an understandable thought process when you’re learning to DJ online: ‘’Why would I spend money on a DJ course when I can watch free videos on YouTube!?’’
You may also have heard veteran DJs dismiss their credibility by saying something like: ‘’when I started out 20 years ago, I figured everything out myself through trial & error’’ (this one I can personally relate to).
In an attempt to address points like these, we decided to create a shortlist of 5 reasons why we think THE RIGHT online DJ course might be worth the money.
Let’s take a look…
- Because of technology and the internet, navigating through all the ‘noise’ is way more complex than it was 10/20 years ago (think about the different DJ setups, software, the availability of music, marketing channels, and so on).
- The right online course (and/or tutor) can offer a clear direction, potentially saving you months or even years of messing around and watching random videos on YouTube.
- With so much free information available online these days (not to mention the fiercely competitive online learning space), course providers really have to go above-and-beyond to deliver value in their paid courses.
- With so many people trying to become DJs these days, you can’t just ‘’wing it’’ anymore if you want to be successful.
- The top DJ schools have TONS of LENGTHY testimonials that speak for themselves.
Related post: How to brand yourself as a DJ.
Related post: Goal-setting for DJs.
Before we jump in
It’s crucial to know who to trust before you spend your hard-earned cash on some random DJ course.
Put it this way: As passionate DJs ourselves, and as a DJ blog, we understand this market better than most!
Whilst there are obviously other DJ courses out there, we believe the courses on this list are some of the best anywhere on the internet right now. And depending on your circumstances, we’re happy to recommend all of them for one reason or another.
So then, with that out of the way, these are 7 of the best online DJ Courses in 2022 (the best course providers)!
1. Point Blank Music School
Overview:
Representing one of the staples in the industry, Point Blank London started out as a commercial recording studio in 1994 and has since grown to become one of the world’s most popular music schools.
As well as physical premises located in Los Angeles, China, Ibiza and Mumbai, they also have online offerings for aspiring DJs and DJ/producers, which we’ll look at.
DJ-related courses: 2 (‘DJ Skills’ and ‘DJ/Producer Career Development’)
Cost: Their ‘DJ Skills’ course is £680 (£210 per month + £50 reg fee)
More details:
With expert teaching staff and student support services (a bit like an online university), you’re investing in more than just a bunch of videos with Point Blank. To quickly touch on it: as well as DJ skills, it’s one of the best places to study music production, sound engineering, the music business, singing, and also radio production.
If we focus on the DJ Skills course specifically:
Running three times a year, starting in April, July and October, the course is broken down into 9 modules spanning 3 months. You’ll learn all the fundamentals of being a successful DJ – from technical skills to the understanding of music theory.
Using Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox software on CDJs (pro gear), the course is ideal if you’re serious about starting a DJing career. By the end of it, you’ll be equipped you with all the technical knowledge and creative concepts you’ll need to be a professional DJ, and to play live sets.
In addition, you also get personal advice on your one-to-one tutorial sessions, industry tips, and access to course materials… asking all the questions you want.
Now obviously it’s not cheapest, although it’s arguably the most comprehensive course on our list, and you get other unique perks that you wouldn’t necessarily get with competing online courses. In case you were concerned, you can still study at a time and place that suits you, and you also get access to the wider Point Blank community.
For more information, get the full run down of the DJ Skills course here. You can also get in touch with any questions at the bottom of that page via live chat or email.
The only other DJ-relevant course that Point Blank offer is ‘DJ/Producer Career Development’. This is a great option for the more serious DJ/producer. Check that out via this link!
2. Digital DJ Tips
Overview:
Next up, we have Digital DJ Tips. It was founded in 2010 by Phil Morse, a former DJ & club promoter from Manchester in the UK. As one of the world’s leading online DJ schools, they’ve helped over 30,000 students around the globe.
In their own words, the courses are ‘’designed for DJs and DJ/producers who’ve always wanted to learn to DJ but never got around to it, teaching everything from mixing and scratching to making music and starting your own DJ business.’’
Total courses: 25+
Cost: $297 – $497 US (aprox/each)
Popular courses:
| The Complete DJ Course | Scratching For Controller DJs | The New Mobile DJ Blueprint |
| James Hype’s Mixing Skills | Laidback Luke’s Creative DJing | Mixing Power Skills |
| House Mixing Mastery | Rekordbox Made Easy |
More details:
Digital DJ Tips courses basically come under 5 different umbrellas: ‘Complete Courses’, ‘Mixing Courses’, ‘Production Courses’, ‘Software & Hardware Courses’ and ‘Specialised Courses’.
One of the ‘complete courses’ (that’s the $497 price) is their flagship The Complete DJ Course – touted as ‘the right place to start if you’re new to DJing or returning to the game after a break’. The course covers Phil’s five pillars for DJing success: ‘gear’, ‘music’, ‘techniques’, ‘playing out’ and ‘promoting yourself’ – the same framework he uses in his best-selling book, ‘Rock The Dancefloor’.
In addition to their market credibility, the sheer number of courses they offer is just one of the key selling points for Digital DJ Tips, with something for just about everyone in the digital DJ’ing sphere – regardless of experience or skill-level.
In their course productions (typically in their ‘mixing courses’), they’ve also partnered with famous DJ-producers like Jazzy Jeff, Laidback Luke, James Hype and others.
If we had to pick out something specific, they have a really good ‘complete’ course for aspiring Mobile DJs, called ‘The New Mobile DJ Blueprint’. It doesn’t have much competition in the market, either, if that’s your direction.
And whilst some might perceive their prices as quite high, we think they’re well worth the investment. Check out their full list of courses here.
3. Club Ready DJ School
Overview:
Next then, we’ve got Club Ready DJ School based in Sydney, Australia. It’s headed up by resident DJ and club promoter of over 15 years, Andrew Duffield.
Sneaking in below the radar, Andrew has helped thousands of students both locally and internationally for more than 5 years now, regularly getting them club shows with events he’s affiliated with. His flagship online course focuses on getting his students ‘’Club Ready’’.
Total courses: 4 (includes his flagship ‘Club Ready DJ Course’, priced at $135)
Cost: Various ‘packs’ start at $95 USD
Courses, packs & modules:
| Club Ready DJ Course | Advanced Performance Pack | Club Pack |
| Controller To Club Minicourse | Preparing To Play Live | Marketing 101 |
| Industry Insights | Learn to DJ |
More details:
Now with over 20 years of DJing and teaching experience, music is truly Andrew’s passion, and it shows in the quality and overall delivery of his courses.
If we look at the flagship ‘Club Ready DJ Course’: it’s a guided step-by-step 4-week program (all online) that will ‘‘transform your mixing skills and confidence behind the decks’’.
Each week, students receive several videos, goals, and homework assignments, with each lesson building off the last. Andrew says: ‘’by the end of it, you’ll know how to mix any genre at a standard good enough to play live’’.
Once complete, you’ll also be sent a graduating certificate – which basically means Andrew and his team are confident you’re ready to hit the live scene.
Catering for all skill-levels, Andrew’s courses are best suited to aspiring club DJs (the clues in the name), passionate hobbyists, and also beginners. It’s worth noting here: Even self-proclaimed music lovers have left lengthy testimonials about how much they love the courses.
Depending on what course bundle you choose, Andrew sometimes includes member access to his ‘Club Ready Tribe’, and also direct access to himself for things like feedback on mixes, etc.
Either sign up for the free mini course (this is perfect if you want to get a taster of Andrew’s content before you buy, and for beginners), or buy the full course here. Also check out this full review we did.
4. Pete Tong DJ Academy
Overview:
Easily the newest-to-market DJ course on our list, launched in April 2022, is the Pete Tony DJ Academy – or ‘PTDJA’. It’s basically the first comprehensive DJ course curated by industry heavyweights at a sensible price point.
In addition to Pete himself, tutors of the course include electronic music’s leading DJ-producers such as Jamie Jones, Nicole Moudaber, TSHA, and Carl Cox.
Courses: 1 (broken into beginner and advanced units)
Cost: $297 for advanced units only / $347 for the full course
More details:
Whilst we don’t have much in the way of feedback on this course yet (it’s brand-new), it looks like a pretty safe bet from where we’re standing. Interestingly, their marketing team are boldly describing it as ‘the most complete DJ course’.
Kicking off with a module on mindset, the beginner lessons cover all the fundamentals of the DJing craft: think beat-matching, gear setup, counting & phrasing, etc.
The advanced modules then cover everything else that wouldn’t be considered as ‘’the basics’’, such as effects, looping, mixing in key, sampling and so on. In addition, non-technical aspects are also covered: things like getting bookings, networking and DJ etiquette.
Assuming you take the full course (based on the price structure, it’s a no-brainer), you’ll also be put into a ‘’talent pool’’. This is where they select the best students to play at partner clubs and on affiliated radio shows. And whilst there’s certainly no guarantees here, it’s still a nice little add on.
Furthermore, you also get a dedicated tutor that will accompany you as you go. So you can ask all the question you want!
Head over to their website here for more information. The course is co-founded by Pete Tong and Carl Cox in partnership with Beatport and Defected.
5. Crossfader
Overview:
Founded by Jamie Hartley in 2014, Crossfader is a UK-based online DJ school and community. They provide hardware and software-specific DJ courses based on what DJ setup you use or what skill-level you’re at.
In addition to being ‘gigging’ DJs themselves, Jamie’s team are also passionate about teaching their craft to others, with technology (mostly DJ controllers & software) at the center.
Total DJ courses: 18 (10 beginner, 5 intermediate, 3 ‘creative’)
Cost: $80 – $125 each (USD)
Popular courses:
| Traktor DJ Course | Serato DJ Course | Denon DJ Prime Course |
| Complete Scratching Course | Virtual DJ Course | Pioneer XDJ Course |
| Pioneer DDJ-400 Course |
More details:
Thanks to his popular YouTube channel, it’s another face that many DJs are likely already familiar with: Jamie Hartley’s over at Crossfader. Their DJ gear reviews are one of the most watched online, having gathering over 50 million views since the channel started in late 2014.
With such a huge market for DJ controllers these days, Jamie has clearly tried to make it as easy as possible for aspiring DJs to get started with his online DJ courses – and he’s done a pretty good job!
As with all the best online DJ schools, they’re courses offer bite size, chronological lessons to help you build a strong foundation of skills. Crossfader also have working relationships with the leading hardware manufacturers – Pioneer DJ, Serato, Denon DJ, RANE, and Numark, etc., allowing them to create cutting edge content using the latest tech.
With 18 courses in total, whilst they’re not a complete solution necessarily, they do offer a cheaper entry point compared to some of the competition, which will surely appeal to the ‘hobbyist’ DJ market.
As a way of delivering additional value to their students (over 10,000 globally to date), Jamie’s team also provide access to various tools, such as free music download packs, beat matching tools and ‘Crossfader scratching loops’, for example.
Who are their courses best suited to? Well, if you’ve just bought a new DJ controller and you’re not sure what to do next, these guys might just be the perfect match. Same as Digital DJ Tips, they also offer some genre-specific courses (such as the house mixing course), and uniquely, they filter all their courses based on skill-level.
Their website also has a cool geo-targeting feature, so you should see prices in your local currency. Check out they’re full range of courses here.
6. DJ Courses Online
Overview:
The company ‘DJ Courses Online’ is a subscription service website specifically for DJs. The service has been around for several years now, and all the tutors are well-established industry professionals. A subscription grants you full access to their library.
Total DJ courses: Aprox. 10
Cost: $19 per month (cancel anytime)
More details:
As well as covering DJ basics and various set-up types, if you’re looking for some DJ mentorship, one of the more comprehensive courses at DJ Courses Online is the How To DJ: Masterclass. It’s presented by experienced DJ, producer & turntablist, DJ TLM.
Their other flagship courses/tutorials include ‘DJ Techniques’ levels 1, 2 & 3 (beginner, intermediate & advanced), which cover scratching, creative mixing, applying FX, and much more.
In addition to these core courses, they also have specific tutorials introducing the industry-leading DJ software such as Serato, rekordbox, Traktor, Mixed In Key and Ableton Live …not to mention a Career Tips course.
So what are the downsides? Well, unfortunately they don’t update or add to the course library very often, so some of the content might be a little bit dated, and there aren’t really any other benefits such as access to a community or personal support.
At the same time, there’s still plenty of value in here for the price if you want it, and much of the principles they teach are timeless. Plus, it’s a nice low financial bar to get started if you simply don’t have a few hundred dollars to spend!
Visit their website here to sign up.
7. Virtuoso
Overview:
Having only launched in 2022, Virtuoso is an online learning platform and subscription service for anyone aspiring to get into the music industry.
With a growing library of courses, they partner with some of the best artists and creators in electronic music – such as Carl Cox, Joris Voorn, Eats Everything and loads more. A good proportion of their courses are relevant to DJing and music production… which is why they’re on our list.
DJ-relevant courses: 7
Total courses: 30+
Cost: Roughly £80 a year (works out at £6.67 per month and includes a free 7-day trial)
More details:
With new courses added all the time, there are currently more than 30 courses in the Virtuoso library relevant to DJing and music production. In addition to lots of big-name tutors, these are all led by established industry professionals, which is great.
The courses typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and are broken down into smaller bite-size videos. Also, each course has its own dedicated page breaking down exactly what you’ll learn together with a short video trailer – all of which you can see before you subscribe.
Just remember though, when compared to dedicated DJ courses like the ones we’ve already covered, there’s no clear objective with a subscription service like this. Think of it more like a ‘content buffet’ — one that’s best used as a support mechanism in addition to a more specific course rather than a silver bullet to your DJing success.
And for the price, it’s probably better if you’re an aspiring DJ/producer – in which case you’ll get more value from a subscription!
In summary, if you’re more in the discovery phase as a DJ/producer and you know for sure the music industry is your end game, then Virtuoso is a great place to start.
Visit their website here to start a free 7-day trial.
What about other DJ courses online?
Whilst we’re confident our top 7 will cater for just about every conceivable DJ, there still might be another DJ course out there that offers something unique for your situation.
With that said, here are two more popular online learning platforms worth considering:
Udemy:
I’m sure you’ve all heard of Udemy. It’s basically a pay-per-course online learning platform. Whilst the courses on there won’t match up to the big players on our list, you can get some cheaper DJ courses for beginners, such as this course here.
It’s not bad if you’ve just bought a new DJ controller and you want to know the ropes without any fluff.
Skillshare:
Skillshare is another one you may be familiar with. It’s going to be more expensive than Udemy, although they have TONS of (dare we say it, better) courses relevant to DJing, music production, the music industry – you name it.
One of their DJ-specific courses is ran by Dubai-based DJ/producer, Costas Papa. This guy has 10 different courses in a series that kick off with this one. Using a Pioneer CDJ setup from with rekordbox DJ software, you can easily follow along with a relevant Pioneer DJ controller.
There are literally thousands of classes and over a dozen umbrella topics on the platform, all for about $100 (US) a year, and you also get a free 7-day trial. View all their music-related courses here.
Summary: Best Online DJ Courses
Just to recap, these are the 7 best online DJ courses (course providers) in 2022:
- Point Blank Music School
- Digital DJ Tips
- Club Ready DJ School
- Pete Tony DJ Academy
- Crossfader
- DJ Courses Online
- Virtuoso
Conclusion
We understand just how valuable time and money can be, which is why we did our very best to represent the market as accurately as possible.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to learning to DJ online. Just 20 years ago, none of these platforms (or anything similar) existed.
It’s now up to YOU to take advantage of the incredible learning opportunity of these times, and to take action on your dreams!
Read this next: A comprehensive guide on How To Become A club DJ.
Header photo: Cesar de Miranda on Pexels.
FAQs
Are DJ courses worth it?
The right online DJ course (and/or tutor) can offer a clear direction, potentially saving you months or even years of messing around and watching random videos on YouTube. As long as you choose the right one for you, they can definitely be worth it in our opinion.
Where can I learn to DJ online?
There are some great online DJ schools out there nowadays that offer a wide range of affordable courses. As we mention in this post, some of our favorites include: Point Blank Music School, Club Ready DJ School, Digital DJ Tips and the Pete Tong DJ Academy.
What is the best free DJ course?
Whilst the best online DJ schools obviously charge for their courses, many offer free content to get you started. One of the best we’ve found for this is Club Ready DJ School. They offer a ‘free DJ mini course’ that you can sign up to with your email address.
What are the best DJ courses for beginners?
Nowadays, most DJ courses online cater for beginners …so there’s no straight answer to that! Better questions to ask yourself would be: ‘what am I trying to achieve’, and ‘how much can I sensibly afford to spend’. Best thing to do is keep these questions top of mind as you go through our list of the 7 best DJ course providers.
Affiliate Disclosure: To help fund the website, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase we’ll make a small commission from it. This NEVER costs you any extra as a result!
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