Overview

Take your first steps toward the DJ booth this summer in NYC with Sound Collective’s DJ Bootcamp — a one-week, beginner-friendly course that teaches you how to DJ using industry-standard CDJ equipment and Rekordbox software. Learn on a professional DJ setup featuring Pioneer CDJ 2000s and the DJM-900NXS2 mixer, with guidance from working DJs and support every step of the way. No prior experience is needed — just bring your passion for music and walk away with the confidence to perform a live DJ set.

Week 1 – Foundations of DJing

Students learn how to organize their music libraries, prepare playlists, and get USBs performance-ready in Rekordbox. By the afternoon, they’re hands-on with track importing, cue points, loops, and beatgrids — laying the digital groundwork for creative mixing.

  • Organize your music library for efficient DJing

  • Source tracks from digital platforms and prepare USBs

  • Use Rekordbox to import, analyze, and prep tracks for performance

Students get comfortable using Pioneer CDJ 2000s and the DJM-900NXS2 mixer. From cue points and loops to EQs and filters, this day builds core technical skills that make smooth transitions possible.

  • Navigate the CDJ 2000s: cues, hot cues, pitch control, looping

  • Master the 900NXS2 mixer: EQ, gain structure, headphone cueing

  • Practice core functions like volume balancing and crossfading

This session breaks down song structure and phrasing, helping students recognize when to mix tracks for maximum energy. Then it’s on to beatmatching — syncing tracks by ear without relying on sync buttons.

  • Understand intros, verses, breakdowns, and drops

  • Learn musical phrasing for smooth transitions

  • Practice beatmatching and tempo syncing by ear

Students develop advanced transition techniques using loops, filters, EQ, and timing to enhance their set. With a focus on genre-switching and building flow, they’ll gain tools for creating dynamic mixes.

  • Practice transitions using EQ, filters, and timing

  • Use loops and effects for seamless blends

  • Experiment with creative transitions between genres

Students learn how to use FX like reverb and delay to shape energy in their set, then perform a 15-minute DJ set live in front of their peers and instructor. Sets are filmed and recorded for review and feedback.

  • Use FX (reverb, delay, echo) to build tension and energy

  • Perform a 15-minute live set using CDJs and a mixer

  • Receive detailed feedback from instructors and peers

Daily Practice Sessions: In addition to the CDJ 2000s and DJM-900NXS2 setup, students can explore other DJ systems during open practice, including CDJ 3000s, Opus Quad, XDJ XZ, and vinyl setups.

Performance Confidence: Graduate from the bootcamp with a deep understanding of DJ fundamentals, creative techniques, and the confidence to play live — whether at a party, in a club, or online.

Gear Discounts: Get the insider deals on industry-standard music hardware and software.

VIP Access to a Session Breakdown Event: After class, network with other music industry creatives and learn from a top producer’s creative workflow.

On-Demand Class Recordings: Can’t make it to one of your classes? Catch up on anything you missed with video recordings of every class.

Unlock Your Creative Playground in NYC

Get full access to our NYC facility and join a thriving creative community. Whether you’re working on your next project, prepping for a gig, or exploring new tech; Sound Collective is designed to fuel your artistic journey.

Access our Studio Rooms, Practice Rooms, Production Gear, DJ Setups, Instruments, and more today.

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