Disc jockey

Disc jockeys (DJs) are performers who introduce and play music for an audience. They work in radio, pubs and clubs, and mobile discos. Their job includes talking to the audience as well as operating technical equipment.

Also known as:

• DJ

Work activities

Disc jockeys (DJs) are performers who present and play music to a particular audience. They can work in a number of areas, including local or national radio stations, pubs and clubs, and mobile discos. The nature of the work varies according to where they work.

Radio DJs working in radio (often known as presenters) introduce and play music and create a programme around the music. This can involve things like interviewing guests, hosting phone-ins, presenting quiz shows, playing jingles and talking to listeners between tracks. They may also introduce news bulletins, give out travel news and weather information and, on commercial radio stations, broadcast adverts. Radio DJs follow a running order that gives the times and sequence for items. Most DJs help to decide the running order with the producer. They also help to choose music and contribute ideas for features.

Mobile discos DJs who run mobile discos have to buy equipment before they can begin work. Equipment includes items such as an amplifier, speakers and lights. Some DJs play their tracks from CDs or vinyl, but many use a laptop or tablet, which means that they don’t have to carry CDs around. Before a gig, they unload and set up their equipment. They dismantle it and pack it away at the end of the gig. They also need to maintain their equipment, find faults and carry out repairs, especially if the system develops a fault during a gig. Mobile DJs are responsible for all aspects of their work, including book-keeping.

Club DJs are skilled in selecting and playing music to suit different audiences. If people don’t like the music, the DJ must think quickly – they have to “read the audience” and choose music that keeps clubbers on the dance floor. Club DJs mix music between one track and the next, either so there are no gaps in the music or to create new sounds. They might take music requests from the dancers. DJs also organise publicity for themselves or, sometimes, the pub/club they are working for. For many DJs, travel throughout the local area is usual. Some DJs work nationally and/or internationally. DJs working at a holiday destination often spend the whole summer season (e.g. April - October) based at one place.

Personal qualities and skills

As a DJ, you need to be:

• Able to communicate effectively with people.
• Comfortable using a microphone.
• Outgoing and confident.
• Interested in music.
• Well organised.
• Able to operate technical equipment.
• Able to think and react quickly, if equipment breaks down, for example.

To be a radio DJ, it’s essential that you have clear speech. Many mobile DJs are capable of maintaining and fixing their own equipment. Self-employed DJs need to have business skills, so they can sell their services, control budgets, buy equipment and keep financial records.

Pay and opportunities 

Pay rates for disc jockeys (DJs) vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed, and their level of popularity. Many DJs work on a freelance basis, working at events such as weddings and birthday parties, charging a fee for the gig.

DJs work different hours, depending on the nature of their work; this can include regular hours, in the daytime, evening or through the night. Weekend and public holiday working is common.

DJs work in clubs, pubs, hotels and holiday camps throughout the UK, and on ferries and cruise ships.

In broadcasting, employers include BBC local, regional, national and World Service radio. There are also opportunities to work in commercial radio with independent local and national stations.

Opportunities occur for DJs to work in other countries, especially in tourist resorts.

Many DJs are self-employed. They find work themselves, or often via an agent.

Where are vacancies advertised? Vacancies and opportunities are advertised on:

• Job boards such as Music Jobs UK and Star Now.
• Online agency sites such as UK DJs and DJ Agency.

Entry routes and training 

You can gain the skills and experience required to become a local radio DJ by working in hospital, in-store, college and community radio, or in disco or club work. One way of getting into radio or club/pub work is to put together a demo and send it to programme controllers or club/pub owners. You could be offered an audition to find out whether you and your music are suitable for the venue.

Full-time and part-time courses in radio are available at all levels, including City & Guilds, HNDs, degrees, foundation degrees and postgraduate qualifications. A number of short courses in radio studio skills are also available. Radio stations may offer their own training programmes. Training is usually on-the-job and depends on the programme requirements and your previous experience.

With experience of local radio, it may be possible to move into national radio and television work. Club/pub DJs can progress towards larger venues and aim to become a name DJ. Experienced mobile DJs with business skills can employ other DJs and offer a wider entertainment package to clients.

Qualifications

There are no minimum educational qualifications required to become a DJ. Your personality and technical skills are more important. Relevant work experience is important because it teaches you the necessary skills and demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background in the entertainment and/or music industry can be very useful. Voluntary or holiday work in local community, student or hospital radio stations is relevant. Scriptwriting experience for local radio programmes is also seen as valuable.

Related careers

• Presenter – broadcasting
• Theatre sound technician
• Actor
• Musician