DJ Fundamentals (Youth)

Learn to mix. Build your sound.

Ages 8+

3-6 students

60 min

Thurs 6:15-7:30 PM

About This Course

This DJ course for beginners is an introduction to mixing music using professional DJ equipment. Over multiple weeks, students will learn how to beatmatch, transition between songs, and understand what makes a set feel smooth and engaging. With a focus on timing, song selection, and confidence behind the decks, students will build the foundations needed to start DJing their own sets.

Ideal For

Students who are new to DJing and curious about how DJs mix music. Ideal for those who love music, playlists, and want to learn how to turn that into a live experience.

At a Glance

What to know before enrolling

Thursday 6:15-7:30 PM

Join DJ Fundamentals at any point during the term, as long as space is available. Tuition is prorated automatically at checkout based on your enrolment date.

Prerequisites

No experience needed. Just an interest in music and a willingness to try.

Bring With You

USB or playlist of songs you like (optional)
Over-ear headphones (recommended)
Notebook or phone for notes and track ideas

What You'll Learn

SAMPLE schedule · 60 Minutes per session

01

weeks 1-2

Getting Comfortable on the Decks

Understand DJ equipment (decks, mixer, headphones)
Learn basic controls (cueing, play, tempo)
Explore tempo, BPM, and song structure

02

weeks 3-4

Beatmatching & Timing

Match tempos between two tracks
Use jog wheels and pitch control
Practice timing transitions smoothly

03

weeks 5-6

Transitions & Flow

Learn simple transitions (fades, EQ swaps)
Understand phrasing and when to mix
Build short, cohesive mixes

04

weeks 7-8

Build Your First Set

Plan and structure a short DJ set
Practice transitions and flow
Perform and share your mix

What You'll Walk Away With

01

A recorded beginner DJ mix

02

Confidence using DJ equipment

03

Strong understanding of beatmatching and transitions

04

The ability to build and perform a basic set

After this course: After completing this artist development program, students can continue their development through private or semi-private sessions, or advance into the next level of the program offered in Fall 2026 and Winter 2027.

Meet Your Instructor

Alisa Erlikh

DJ Instructor

Classically trained in the oboe and piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Alisa pursued an Audio Engineering Diploma from Trebas Institute after graduating University of Toronto. She has been DJing and producing music since the age of 13, and doing sound for Film and TV since 2016.

Developing workshops for various colleges and programs across the city, Alisa eventually settled into the instructional role at Toronto Film School, as well as offering audio for film education to young talent at the Muskoka Film Camp.

Alisa’s teaching style is very experiential – she invites the students to operate the equipment as she instructs them step by step, allowing the students to learn by listening and discovering the motions intuitively.

Featured Work

IMDb Alisa Erlikh

Ready to start?

No experience needed. Just show up – we’ll handle the rest.