Learn to DJ at The Song School
Make beats. Learn to DJ. Find your sound.
DJ’ing today is about much more than “playing songs”. It’s about rhythm, listening, creativity, and learning how to shape a vibe — whether you’re mixing tracks, building your own beats, or performing with confidence.
We coach DJ’ing + beatmaking the way young people learn best: hands-on from the start, clear foundations, and supportive music tech that makes practice feel achievable (and fun).
It’s still The Song School: warm, inclusive, confidence-building — with a structure that works brilliantly for neurodivergent young people too.
What They'll Learn
In our weekly DJ’ing + beat-making sessions, young people will:
Learn the core skills of DJ’ing: beat-matching, phrasing, smooth transitions, and reading the energy in a room
Build musical foundations that make mixing easier: timing, counting bars, and active listening
Explore genre and taste — and learn how to choose tracks that work together
Create their own beats using beginner-friendly beat-making tools (think drums, bass, hooks, and loops)
Understand the basics of arrangement: intros, drops, breakdowns, builds and endings
Develop performance confidence: planning a short set, practising, and sharing work in a supportive environment
Learn creative workflows that modern artists use — without needing loads of kit at home
How It Works
Weekly session — A predictable, supportive weekly session designed to help participants progress fast - without pressure.
What to expect
Weekly group sessions at our studios in Southend-on-Sea
Clear routines, step-by-step coaching, and plenty of hands-on time
Supportive tech included — no prior experience needed
Why we coach this way
A lot of young people are drawn to DJ’ing and beatmaking because it’s immediate: they can make something that sounds good quickly. But real progress comes from the foundations — timing, listening, and learning how music is structured.
Our approach keeps it creative and motivating, while quietly building the skills that transfer into band work, songwriting, production, and live performance. We also keep sessions predictable and well-scaffolded, so young people can focus, feel safe, and enjoy learning.
And all sessions run alongside other activities including songwriting and music production, so if they want to switch to exploring other musical skills, they can.
FAQs
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Not necessarily. If they have access to a laptop/tablet/smartphone and headphones, that can help — but it’s not required to get started.
We’ll guide you on what’s worth buying (and what isn’t) if they want to practise at home.
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Yes — we welcome complete beginners and improvers. We coach in small steps so everyone can progress.
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We keep the environment calm and supportive. We can also adapt for sensory needs (for example, headphones, volume levels, breaks, and clear expectations).
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Yes — when they’re ready. We build towards sharing work in a low-pressure way, and there are opportunities to perform at Song School events.
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Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.
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Ages 7–10, 1 hour: £36 per month
Ages 11-13/14+, 2 hours: £60 per month
Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.
Book a free trial
Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.
All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU
How to register
Select the appropriate age group for your child
Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial
Complete the short induction form
Click 'Sign Up'
You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.
Can't find a session for your child?
If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.