Disk Jockey (DJ)

Job overview
A disc jockey is a person who plays music on a sound system and sets up the music for nightclubs, pubs, restaurants and special events such as weddings, office parties etc.

What do people do in this job?
They play music?! ?But that?'?s not all.

DJs have to have a team of sound engineers and their own sound equipment to set up for events, although if employed at a pub, bar or nightclub they may not need these.

However, if they want to be independent and perform on their own they will need to own all this equipment and team up with sound engineers.

If a DJ works for an organization he or she may be on a monthly income and may not earn much.

However if the DJ is independent then he/she can earn a lot.

Before a person starts out to be an independent DJ, it is best for him or her to work as someone?'?s assistant and learn the techniques of mixing the sounds and music.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
DJs should have a taste for music and wide knowledge of it.

They need to know about the kind of music liked by different generations of people, not only pop, rock, soft rock, hip-hop, metal, country, and jazz but also old and new songs.

As they play their music they need to learn what people like listening to, what kind of crowd enjoys what kind of music, where to play what music etc.

A good DJ should know how to entertain people and make sure that they are having a good time.

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications, apart from enjoying music and knowing something of at least its recent history.

?Some knowledge of electronics is an advantage.