Disc jockey
Also known as: radio disc jockey, live music mixer, DJ, music selector and broadcaster, live mixer, club disc jockey
About this occupation
Disc jockeys mix music from various sources using turntables or a mixing console and play music at events in front of a live audience. They may provide the music on the radio. They select the music played on the radio and make sure that it is broadcasted according to schedule. Disc jockeys can also create mixes for later distribution and playback.
A specialisation of performance artist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- musical instruments
- study music
- musical genres
- select music
- connect music fragments
- compose playlist
- musical theory
- acoustics
- set up sound equipment
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Disc Jockeys, Except Radio (O*NET 27-2091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Operate disc jockey controller and other equipment, such as microphones.
- Communicate with clients or venue owners to determine event information, such as music preferences, scheduling, and anticipated attendance.
- Adhere to schedules to keep events running on time.
- Collect payments from customers.
- Develop written contracts for bookings.
- Assemble audio and video equipment.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Enterprising, Conventional
Top skills: Social Perceptiveness, Speaking, Active Listening, Monitoring, Service Orientation, Time Management
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
- Sound Engineering Technicians
- Music Directors and Composers
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Audio and Video Technicians
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
- Musicians and Singers
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Producers and Directors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.