Tips and Tricks for Learning to be a Radio DJ from the Recording Connection

If you want to learn how to be a DJ, then you are probably going to have to go to a good radio school where they teach you all the basics of the business. The Radio Connection has been around for more than 25 years, and it has a great track record with students. Almost 72 percent of the graduates get a job in the biz. AND, to get a job as a DJ, for example, it is who you know, along with WHAT you know. That's why so many students like the idea of learning in a real radio station under a skilled mentor teacher versus in a classroom and at a more expensive school.

Getting a job in a radio station or in the music recording business means you not only can meet popular music artists, session players and bands, but you’ll meet powerful music executives for good connections down the road. DJs are highly skilled. On average a popular DJ in a major market can make a six figure salary every year. However, beginners usually have to put in their dues, making less and being paid hourly wages in the beginning. Many of them make extra money as a mobile DJ at clubs on nights and weekends.

Once a radio DJ candidate has a professional air check tape and a degree, they must find a job via stations seeking new on-air talent -- and that means seeing the station director. In smaller markets it could also mean meeting with the station's general manager or owner. The trick is to get the station director to listen to your air check tape personally and call you in for an interview.

After you get the job, a new radio DJ is often assigned to overnight or weekend shifts in the beginning. And if you're fortunate enough to be hired by a popular radio station, expect to spend many hours in the studio. Many DJs are on the job by 5 AM when they spend some time surfing the web for the latest news, or gossip. While on-air during their show, most DJs talk after every song – apx. eight times an hour. Many radio DJs answer phones, call-ins, or read emails, even text messages. There are always a few voice commercials and staff meetings. Occasionally there are public appearances and anchoring remotes at sporting events–mostly on weekends. Most DJs spend one day preparing for their show for the next day.

Most all DJs agree, the best job perk or meeting musicians, bands and celebs. They are always getting invitations to really cool parties, plus they always get sent new products – food, clothes, and new tech gadgets or promotional items.

And there are often those who thought they wanted to be a radio DJ who realize it's not cut out for them. In that case, they may be like Eric Hunslinger, who actually graduated from a big school but soon realized he wasn't prepared for the music business, so that is when he applied to the Entertainment Career Connection's Audio School, which cost much less, and where he really enjoyed learning the music recording business.