MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Disc Jockey Techniques

Course: MUC135

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lec + Lab 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T

Description: Development of beginning level live performance disc jockey techniques. Emphasis on understanding the construction of industry-formatted dance songs, cueing, segueing/mixing methods, the relationship of beats per minute to segueing, and programming songs to entertain a live audience. Covers the history of the live-performance DJ and strategies for soliciting employment in the field.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain the historical innovations that led to the evolution of the modern live performance disc jockey. (I) 2. Describe the typical construction of an industry formatted dance song and how the song`s composition relates to segueing. (II) 3. Explain the process of determining a song`s beats per minute and its relationship to beat mixing and dance music genres. (III) 4. Describe how to cue a song to prepare for a segue with an industry-standard compact disc player and turntable. (IV) 5. Identify and discuss common methods of segueing songs. (V) 6. Describe how to program songs to entertain a live, general audience. (VI) 7. Explain various strategies for soliciting employment as a live performance disc jockey. (VII) 8. Identify regulations and copyright laws that apply to production of a demonstration compact disc. (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Live Performance DJ History A. First wave (1943-1969) B. Second wave (1974-1982) C. Third wave (1985-2001) D. Current period in historical perspective II. Typical Dance Music Song Construction A. Song layout in detail 1. Intro 2. Post 3. Verse(s) 4. Chorus/Hook 5. Break/Outro B. Segue locations in industry formatted songs III. Beats Per Minute (BPM) A. Determining a song`s beats per minute B. Relationship between beats per minute and beat mixing C. Dance music genres and beats per minute range IV. Cueing a Song A. Headphones/mixer cues/volume B. Cueing vinyl C. Cueing compact discs D. Cueing digital software V. Common Types of Disc Jockey Segues A. Classic volume fade B. Thirty-two-in-and-out (32-beat segment mix) C. Blend mix (64 or more beats) D. Slam (dropping it on the one) E. Scratch and slam (effect and slam) F. Choosing the appropriate segue to facilitate music genres VI. Programming A. Programming theories B. Programming general dance clubs/events 1. Pre-show 2. Show/peak 3. End/after hours C. Programming weddings D. Procuring music and building a music library VII. Soliciting Employment A. Attitude and expectations B. Business cards C. Resume or package D. Disc jockey website E. Demonstration compact disc 1. Mechanical licensing through Harry Fox Agency (HFA) 2. Compliance with industry regulations a. American Society of Composer, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) b. Broadcast Music, Incorporated (BMI) c. Recording Institute Association of America (RIAA) d. Copyright laws 3. Demo song selection 4. Demo compact disc appearance F. Networking G. Disc jockey agents, publicists, and personal managers

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 5/24/2011

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.