A radio disk jockey (DJ) is a person who entertains the target audience of a radio station by playing a selection of musical songs from across all music genres, such as adult contemporary, classic rock, hip hop, light rock, gangsta rap, jazz, rhythm & blues, heavy metal and country western. Apart from this basic duty, a radio DJ is also responsible for keeping the audience interested enough by answering calls from listeners, providing fascinating anecdotes and information, conducting interviews with celebrities and announcing commercials. To become a successful radio DJ, you require a strong vocal presence, amazing presence of mind, willingness to work at unusual hours and the flexibility to relocate anytime. Here are some of tips that you can follow to become a successful radio DJ.
Tips & Tricks for DJ Success - Develop English skills
Radio DJs also need to be strong in written language, since they might have to modify news articles or present interesting information between songs. To develop and strengthen on-the-spot storytelling skills, you could join colleges that offer English courses, such as Touro College.
- Strengthen vocal speech and theatrical skills
A pre-requisite for a DJ is the ability to speak clearly and make an impact using only your voice. Take courses in speech and drama by joining one of the several schools and colleges offering courses in the theatrical arts, such as American Academy of Dramatic Arts and American Musical & Dramatic Academy.
- Work part-time as a mobile disc jockey
Observe experienced mobile DJs to distinguish good music from bad music and learn the professional ethics. While still at school, you can also gain invaluable experience by working part-time as a mobile disc jockey at parties. Your part-time stint will also familiarize you with the equipment you will need to use in this profession. You can look at job portals, such as MySpace Jobs, for such job opportunities.
- Join a college that offers broadcasting as a major
Join one of the leading colleges or universities, such as Central Michigan University's School of Broadcast and Cinematic Arts and Asbury College, which offers you a broadcasting degree with an emphasis on the radio as a medium. Although a degree in broadcasting is not a pre-requisite, it will provide you an edge when you are ready for a full-time career.
- Get on-the-job experience
Gain experience by joining your college radio station. You can offer to become a DJ at the station at odd hours. Apart from the college radio station, you can also get internship at a local radio station by searching for through MySpace Jobs. This experience will provide you in-depth knowledge of the equipment used at a radio station and issues that you are likely to face, in addition to boosting your confidence. You can also prepare a tape of your performance and add the experience to your résumé.
Once you are completed your courses and have gained ample training, you can look for openings for a full-time radio DJ at a good radio station. You could even become a professional DJ and buy your own set of DJ equipment from any of the reputed equipment providers. You can access a wide variety of DJ records online from providers such as Franchise Record Pool. Through Franchise Record Pool, you can also host your own show as a radio DJ.
