Take lessons with a private DJing tutor in New York (New York)

Why New York City is the ultimate place to learn DJing

New York City is home to some of the best places to learn DJing. From professional studios in Brooklyn to music schools in Manhattan, you can find everything from a short course in production to comprehensive programs covering Ableton Live, Pioneer gear, and performing.

The classes are as diverse as the city itself, and it's common for programs to provide equipment and opportunities to work with experienced DJs, producers, and instructors who have years of sound and performance experience.

Top DJ schools, studios & programs in NYC

To start your search for DJ schools, studios, and programs in New York City, you don't have to look very far. There's something in every borough. Here, we've selected a few to give you a sample of what's available.

• Scratch DJ Academy – Manhattan: This school, founded by the legendary DJ Jam Master Jay, offers courses for every level. From beginner DJing to advanced mixing and production, students can learn with private sessions, group classes, or online courses, utilizing Pioneer and other industry-standard equipment.
• Dubspot – NYC: Dubspot is a globally recognized music production and DJing school with roots in New York and Berlin. It specializes in electronic music production, Ableton Live, and performance skills, offering live and online lessons with flexible price points depending on the course length you choose.
• Beat Refinery at Bach to Rock – Mamaroneck: This option is just outside of the city, but the studio and school focus on mixing, scratching, and DJing techniques. With working artists serving as instructors, students are guided through the process of creating a comprehensive project for performances, encompassing set design and sound design.
• DJ Instrction NYC – Private Studios: At DJ Instruction NYC, you can get one-on-one lessons in Brooklyn and Manhattan with customized courses in mixing, Ableton, and electronic music production. Book single sessions or multi-course packages to save money.
• Brooklyn Recording and Production Studios: These are open studios that combine DJ lessons with recording, editing, and music production. Students can learn to create their own tracks, work on mixes, and prepare a complete set.

What you’ll learn in DJ lessons

In New York City, you can work on the skills needed to mix tracks, control the sound, and create engaging sets. How much of this you do and to what extent will depend significantly on your level.

Beginners typically start by familiarizing themselves with DJ equipment, such as Pioneer controllers or turntables, and learning how to beatmatch. They'll also cover essential techniques and skills, such as reading the crowd and structuring a set for maximum impact.

At the intermediate level and as your learning progresses, you may explore music production tools like Ableton Live and look to the creative side of building edits and remixes. It's common for courses to include studio time to practice in a professional environment and experiment with effects, EQ, and transitions. You'll also learn about good housekeeping, organizing your project library, preparing for performances, and troubleshooting equipment when things go wrong.

Advanced students will delve into refining their style, incorporating electronic elements, and developing themselves as a DJ or producer. Whether you want to work in a club in Brooklyn, events in Manhattan, or even online streaming, there are ways develop the skills to become a better DJ.

How much do DJ lessons cost in New York?

The cost of DJ lessons in New York City varies according to several factors. At Scratch DJ Academy in Manhattan, for example, pricing options vary depending on the level and format. You can go from single online sessions at $75 to full part-time certification programs costing closer to $5,000.

DJing lessons in NYC on Superprof average around $66/h per hour. Just as with some of the places we mentioned, there are several factors to consider when determining the average price. Newcomers might pay around $25 to get started with the basics, but specialist skills from experienced instructors, such as Ableton, mixing, or electronic music production, can cost more than $60 per hour.

Find your ideal DJ instructor on Superprof in New York City

On Superprof, you can browse the profiles of many different DJing tutors in New York City to find the one that matches your learning style, music preferences, schedule, and budget. Most Superprof tutors offer the first lesson for free, meaning you can try a few before picking the one that's the best fit.

We recommend thinking about precisely what you want from your DJ tutor and shortlisting potential options before contacting them about their free sessions. After you've tried your best bets, you can pick the one that you liked the most. There are plenty of DJ tutors available.