The right age to start djing
- Thread starter 1cdj
- Start date
The "right" age is probably subject to a great deal of opinions....LOL.
I have a 13 year old daughter who is a natural behind the mic and has absolutely no "stage fright" at all. I do a school year monthly benefit and she started hamming it up with some of the kids last year, so I handed her the mic when the electric slide started playing....she had almost everyone there out on the floor.
I think this is a good start for her and she's (so far) looking forward to doing them this year. We'll see how things go and take it as it comes.
I have a 13 year old daughter who is a natural behind the mic and has absolutely no "stage fright" at all. I do a school year monthly benefit and she started hamming it up with some of the kids last year, so I handed her the mic when the electric slide started playing....she had almost everyone there out on the floor.
I think this is a good start for her and she's (so far) looking forward to doing them this year. We'll see how things go and take it as it comes.
It doesn't really matter, I think the desire just has to be there. But if someone out there wants a more concrete example, Grand Wizard Theodore started before he was a teenager.
There's a guy that I work with whose son is 11. He's an awesome beat mixer and has been doing this for 3 years now. He also does teen nights at local clubs. I don't think it's an age thing...it just depends on the little person.
The right age to start DJing, well I have 2 answers. The right age to start mixing and playing music? As old as the kid has to be to understand the equipment. To start gigging and running a business is a different story. For that, its different with everyone. When the kid shows that he can act in a professional manner in any scenario, then he is the right age to start DJing professionally.
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
let me play the DEVILS avicote here...
I think it can be anytime, but to work as a Professional on the circut then they have to be 18+ to make wages and collect TAX and pay tax, also hold a business lic, pay insurance and have a 2million dollar liability insurance without ANY restriction etc
I would NEVER allow a under age person do any show without liability insurance PERIOD not even if the parents was there to act as the one holding said insurance...
I think it can be anytime, but to work as a Professional on the circut then they have to be 18+ to make wages and collect TAX and pay tax, also hold a business lic, pay insurance and have a 2million dollar liability insurance without ANY restriction etc
I would NEVER allow a under age person do any show without liability insurance PERIOD not even if the parents was there to act as the one holding said insurance...
Cesar this isnt your question answer Kyles question or keep out of it there is no sense in railroading it.
I started when I was 13 (now 20) a wee 7 years. I've been a sound engineer longer than that (and d**m good at it too). I think as long as you have a willingness to learn, ability to recognize how to have a clean setup and correctly transition songs (nevermind beatmixing at early stages) you will be fine.
DjDennis
RIP- My Dad (2011), Sister (2013) and Mum (2017)
Brian was correct. Being a DJ and running a DJ business is 2 different things. He is one of the younger one on the board and is a testament that age shouldnt be a hindrance to accomplishing something.
I just got off the phone with a DJ who wanted to know if I'm still looking for a roomate in A.C.
The conversation turned to our ages and when we got started.
I got started when I was 24. Ever since, I had a feeling like I got a late start in this business.
He told me he started 20 years ago, when he was in his late 30's.
Then I saw this thread.
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So to answer your question, I'd say earlier is better.
How early? 18 or so. Maybe 16.
I agree with what others have said regarding minors and child labor laws. I wouldn't hire a 13 year old, but if a 13 year old could get bookings? More power to him.
The conversation turned to our ages and when we got started.
I got started when I was 24. Ever since, I had a feeling like I got a late start in this business.
He told me he started 20 years ago, when he was in his late 30's.
Then I saw this thread.
---
So to answer your question, I'd say earlier is better.
How early? 18 or so. Maybe 16.
I agree with what others have said regarding minors and child labor laws. I wouldn't hire a 13 year old, but if a 13 year old could get bookings? More power to him.
Good answer, I agree 100%.
Any age to begin....if you love music, go for it! I started in college, but thats probably later than most, honestly.
Dennis,
I have to respectfully disagree with that statement. For example, I am not 18, and my parents did have to sign for the 1 million dollar policy of liability insurance, and the business license. Parents signatures are only a restriction if they aren't fully open to what they are signing, and the end idea of what the person is trying to accomplish. In my situation, they are very supporting of what I do, and its no problem. I have been told I was much more professional then many other "older" DJs in my area by many people, which in my mind goes to show that it is very possible for someone under 18 to startup and successfully run a business.
Brian -
Technically, it's your parent's business. You may be doing all the work, both at a show and behind the scenes, but, legally, it's their's.
For the record, if your parents are OK with the legal situation, as well as allowing you to do this, then I don't see a problem.
My only word of advice / caution is this: When talking with a client, should your age come up, say something like this: "I'm under 18, so you'd actually be booking my parent's entertainment company. But I'm the only DJ on staff. So, I'll be the DJ at the event." etc.
Technically, it's your parent's business. You may be doing all the work, both at a show and behind the scenes, but, legally, it's their's.
For the record, if your parents are OK with the legal situation, as well as allowing you to do this, then I don't see a problem.
My only word of advice / caution is this: When talking with a client, should your age come up, say something like this: "I'm under 18, so you'd actually be booking my parent's entertainment company. But I'm the only DJ on staff. So, I'll be the DJ at the event." etc.
Well, I dunno if there's a "right" age but I tend to agree with the earlier the better.
An interest in music and entertaining may appear at an early age.
An interest in music and entertaining may appear at an early age.
Brian is a great guy from the boards, he is pretty mellow doesn't stir S*** and has a pretty level head. I know Kyle has done shows with him before and if DJ tested and DJ approved I say it is all good (especially if a Multi-Op says so)
When you want to. As it's been said, to run a business in today's society there are some rules to follow. But to be a DJ there's no age you just do it when you want to.