Like any skill in the world, deejaying is not something you can be good at overnight. It takes time, but there are elaborate things you should do to improve your chances of becoming a successful one. It is a continuous cycle of self-improvement. Even the best deejays of the world, who have been at it for a long time, still find something new to learn every day to enhance their craft. So how do you improve your deejaying skills? Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Learn phrase matching

Using the auto-sync feature in your CDJ Pioneer sets the BPMs of the tunes and locks in their beats to ensure they’re in time. While it is good to finesse your beatmatching skills, phrase matching is an essential skill. Music happens in phrases of 4, 8, 16, or 32 beats and repeats. Lining up these phrases when you are mixing enables you to perform mixes that are more musical and carry on for more extended periods. All great deejays phrase match to enhance their performances.

2. Record your mixes

Make it a habit to always hit record on that Pioneer DDJ whenever you perform at a gig or practicing. It will help you take your practice sessions more seriously and how to play for an audience. You’ll know what it feels like for the person on the receiving end. You don’t have to record everything, but at least when you do your daily mix routine, record it so you can listen to it the next day.

3. Deejay in public

Deejaying is essentially a public skill. Doing it behind closed doors is just practicing. You will never know how good or bad you are until you perform in front of an audience. You need to have a lot of experience and exposure so that you identify the key things that you need to work on. Also, it puts to test how well your equipment works in different environments. Are your Boss RC 30 speakers good enough for any gig, or do you need to invest more in other equipment? Start small like a bar gig or your friend’s house party and gain the confidence you need to master your craft.

4. Getting a unique sound

If you intend to blow up in making your beats and working with other artists like big names in the industry, you need to have your signature sound—an ‘it’ factor to your beats. You could use a particular instrument to create this sound, such as the Roland Piano.

5. Practice, practice, practice

Above all else, practice makes perfect. It would be best if you did it religiously. If you are serious about it, you will always find a way to get the time off your hectic schedule. It is like any other learning you need to do. Have the right mind frame, and you will ultimately excel.

Deejaying involves continuous improvement and investment. Invest your time, money in proper equipment from Presonus and resources. It all pays off at the end.