Our 2-hour vinyl DJing workshop is meticulously structured to provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of vinyl, with a specific emphasis on the foundational skill of beatmatching by ear. Below is a detailed syllabus that outlines the key components and learning outcomes of our session:

Vinyl DJing Workshop Syllabus

Introduction to Vinyl DJing

• Overview of the vinyl DJ setup: Understanding the components (turntables, mixer, cartridges, etc.)
• The significance of vinyl in DJ culture and the resurgence of analog sound
• Handling and care of vinyl records

Fundamentals of Beatmatching by Ear

• Introduction to beatmatching: The art of aligning beats between two tracks without visual aids
• Understanding turntable features relevant to beatmatching (pitch control, platter, cueing)
• Listening exercises: Identifying beat structures and tempo by ear

Hands-On Beatmatching Practice

• Guided practice sessions with individual turntables
• Techniques for cueing up a track and finding the beat
• Adjusting pitch to match tempos and achieve a seamless blend
• Instructor feedback and personalised tips

Building a DJ Set with Vinyl

• Selection and organisation of records for a cohesive set
• Reading the crowd: Choosing tracks that resonate with your audience
• Transition techniques beyond beatmatching: Volume control, EQing, and creative use of the mixer

Live Practice Session

• Participants apply what they’ve learned in a live mixing session
• Experimenting with transitions and building a short, coherent set
• Group feedback and instructor critique

Q&A and Wrap-Up

• Open discussion for questions, sharing experiences, and tips for further learning
• Resources for continuing your vinyl DJing journey
• How to integrate digital tracks and vinyl for hybrid setups (brief overview)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Have a foundational understanding of vinyl DJ equipment and how to handle vinyl records.
• Be able to perform basic beatmatching by ear, using pitch control and cueing techniques.
• Know how to select and organise vinyl records for a DJ set.
• Have practiced creating smooth transitions between tracks.
• Feel more confident in their ability to begin practicing vinyl DJing independently.

This syllabus is designed to not only introduce the technical skills necessary for vinyl DJing but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for the art form. Participants will leave with the knowledge and initial hands-on experience required to explore vinyl DJing further on their own or in more advanced workshops.