Learn2Dj Part of Black and White Affair Dj Services

In California, we are not allowed to have any dj events more than 10 people currently. Some djs are doing zoom parties for households in the comfort of their own home. So during this down time, I have been organizing my music library and my dj education service. I always had dj lessons but it was on a different site and running multiple sites at one time can be a handful. So I decided to combine my dj lessons with my dj business website so I can get all inquiries in one area. People are stuck at home looking to learn a new craft. This is the time to do it since it is recommended to stay home. Different parts of the country are slowly opening up but coronavirus cases are still picking up. 

  As a dj, I am always doing research on the latest equipment and dj software. It is important to know all the tricks of the trade. Through many years of learning I want to share what I know. I know when I was learning I had to learn through the hard way through trial and error. I want to eliminate that experience and help find success sooner rather than later. 

 Maybe someone does not want to be a full on dj but rather learn how to set up gear for any event since events right now in California can not be too big this service can be for you also. We go over how to set everything up and what you would need. We can also break down the music playlist. It would be better to have a professional dj there but at these times there has be be different options. 

Feel free to check out Learn2Dj on this website and check out the blog area where we go over tidbits to make dj easier. We can do instruction virtually. It does not matter that I am based in the Bay Area in San Jose. We go over everything to beat matching to setting up your dj business. 

Check out Learn2Dj.org which leads you to my site for dj instruction. 

We believe in prompt responses. Setting up an event can feel like a second job and it can cause some stress. We believe to make the process as easy with possible. We are accessible by text, phone call or email and respond quickly. If folks, ask for quotes then we make sure they get it right away and we do not sugar coat anything. Our job is to make your wedding planning easier.

We help build playlists. We do not play the same old music at every event. We send out lists to our clients and the most popular songs and they pick their favorites and can add some other songs that are not on the list. Each party has its only playlist and they are never the same. We tend to get the requests a week before to ensure we can find the requests in time for the event.

We have played at night spots in the bay area so we had to be able to read different crowds to throw more energy at the dance floor. Not every crowd is the same so we have our experience to keep the party going and keep it going the whole night.

We believe in having back ups to our back ups. We make sure everything is in tip top condition but for some reason something is not sounding well then I have an alternative or two to make it sound better. Often times it is using another cable or connecting another controller to the set up. We always have another computer for those just in case scenarios.

Do You Mix the Music?

Mixing is a skill that not all djs have. It’s a skill that needs to be worked on. Some djs play songs and just fade out the volume and fade in a new song. Some djs will play the whole song then start a new one when the other one ends thus killing the momentum of the night. The purpose of mixing is to keep the energy consistent on the dancefloor.  The mixing of music helps keep the floor with the seamless transition from song to song.  Each event is not a Night Club demo but rather a custom playlist based on the client’s playlist. We do not try to experiment with new music that no one has ever heard up but play tracks that are tried and true to the original form. We focus on the flawless transition from song to song to help maintain the dancing.

Do You Bring Vinyl Turntables to Your Events?

My pride and joys are my custom made SJSU Technic turntables. They are very pretty to look at. I do still own vinyl but rather use my dj controller at dj events. A dj controller is an all in one dj set up. It contains turntables and a built in mixer.  I am able to hold tens of thousands on songs on my hard drive and only 100 records in the record boxes I can physically carry. It is easier to update music on a hard drive. I can easily do an old school party with vinyl. We do have lots of funk, 80s, 90s and the 2000s. How time flies when someone mentions the 2000s being old school. There is something magical about vinyl. Maybe it can be too  hard to find.

Had a wonderful party with the class of 69 at the Los Gatos Lodge. One of the classmates did say it is one of the best classes ever. I do have to agree it was a festive event. The hostess just told me to get songs for the era and that is what I did. I went through all the years the class went to high school. I looked for the top songs of 66, 67, 68, and 69. I was able to find some good r&b music and lots of rock music. Few of the fabulous songs of the night was Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf.

  My goal was to get everyone dancing and I was amazed by the energy of the room. Class of 69 danced to the songs of their time with enthusiasm. The first hour was more of the softer music of the time and I had to save the dance songs for the end of the night. I did not want them to start dancing in their seats yet. I had to make sure they enjoyed their delicious meal.  I was able to have a little dinner at the lodge and I wolfed down the steak and baked potato. It was a very tasty meal. Staff are always helpful and positive. I do enjoying playing at Lost Gatos Lodge.

How to Pick the Best Dj in the San Francisco Bay Area

In the San Francisco Bay, many folks plan all different kinds of events such as private events, weddings, and corporate events. Maybe years ago, you may have had buddies who dabbled in the dj field but you don’t know if they still are in the field. But you are throwing an event and you want a professional so who do you turn to?

Check previous experience

These days everyone loves looking at reviews. Check out the Yelp Reviews and Google Reviews. Take a look at their Facebook Business Page to see if they are doing events currently and if they post consistently.

Talk with them

Ask them how busy they are. A good dj is a busy dj. Yes, there are loads of djs out there but the ones that are working are the ones that are sought out. Communicate with the dj to get a sense of their professionalism. Ask them what is included in their dj package. Does the dj bring their own lights and microphones? How many speakers will they bring to the function?  How is their response time? Does the dj respond quickly or does it take days to email or call back?

Look at their Website

A good dj should have a website that talks about what they do and who they are. Does it look professional?

Listen to their mixes

A dj will have example of their mixes either on their website or a page dedicated to their mixes. You will get the vibe of the kind of music that he plays and style of mixing. Some djs can give out usb’s with their mixes and some can even give out cds.

As for school events, the budget for school dances will not be as much as prom.  Typically it is held on campus to help cut on cost.

The question that comes often is what is the cost to hire a dj and what is included. The djs can bring multiple speakers and lights to fill up the gym. I have seen djs charge 100 to 150 dollars an hour for school dances. The dj has to get a playlist ahead of time so the dj can play the music that the students requested.

Schools should select djs that have edited music so they will not have their vice principal run to the dj booth demanding to change an inappropriate song.

Also on the checklist is to see the dj reviews on google and on yelp to see if they have done other schools and can see their successes.

It would be good to have the dj visit the school to show them where they are going to set up. Some schools are not labeled easily so the dj can be driving around and not knowing where to park to unload. Ideally they want to drive close by to unload all their heavy gear.

Last but not least please talk to your dj about their dj crew. It is good to have the dj have one helper but when they are bringing 3 to 5 people to do a 1 to 2 person job, it just is not professional and can be a liability to the dj company and to the school.

One of the most common questions we get is what is the cost to do a school dance. This question is a hard one to answer since there are many answers. In the San Jose area, there is a saturation of Djs. Silicon Valley is the mecca of tech so many folks dive in the technology functions of a dj. Long gone are the record players (Technics) that play 12 inch vinyl which took way more skill and more of a financial responsibility. These days it is so much easier to mix music with the sync button and downloadable music. This makes it easier for the buyer since they have so many djs to choose from.

Find out with the dj is legit. It may be hard to see which djs are professional when you first speak with them. Just be aware of djs who undercharge since they are cutting corners and why are they under valuing their service. A good way to detect the quality of the dj is to look up their online reviews. It proves what quality or lack there of service they have and the customer can feel confident in their pick.

Costs of Prom DJs

Since proms due have budget constraints, it is best to let the dj know to see if the dj can work with it or they can recommend somebody who can do it that that price. Since proms can be extravagant events I have seen ranges of 600 to 1200 for the 4 to 6 hour event. In different parts of the country they have different rates but when it comes to the Bay Area it is on the higher end.

The idea of a corporate event is to step away from the office and create an atmosphere for coworker bonding and building company culture. Often times the party is held outside of work hours and workers are encouraged to participate in the festivities.

 Being part of the Bay Area, there are so many choices to find a rare location. The first step is to book the venue then select the theme for your corporate event.

After the venue has been secured it is best to search for the vendors quickly. The good vendors may have an event so it is good to secure.  The longer you procrastinate the higher chance the vendor may not be available.

Also consider the theme of the event and the message that you want to share at the event.

Finally, you may think about the add ons such as food, and drinks and transportation for your guests. Providing transportation to the event and back will make it convenient for the guests in case they do not like driving to San Francisco for example or deal with parking situation.

Some Corporate events are similar to the year before and change is good. With the Bay Area as your venue to choose from, there are many options for cool activities.  A lot of time the major of the responsibilities is bestowed on one person which can be a bit stressful but with a team it can be easier to handle. Some venues can be all inclusive which can include a coordinator who can secure fun activities for your company to do.