Just seen the breakdance question and got me thinking, I am new to the world of DJ'ing and music production and I am not sure if there is any places where they tutor or teach either the DJ'ing skills or the music production stuff, I know Burton Street have started a course and I am in the process of getting information about that, but it is an evening course and evenings are difficult for me, so a day time course would be ideal.

Plus, if anyone in this forum is into the music production scene with stuff like Reason, Logic, Cubase and other software, then let me know, I'd like to meet others into this and discuss things.

Hi,
I have my own recording studio using Protools but have lots of experience with all versions Cubase, Rebirth, Wavelab etc.
It's only a hobby for me but owned a studio for over 12 years!
Drop me a line if you need any info!
Cheers,
Chris..

Im a DJ working in sheffield. If you enquire at rotherham college - they actually do a DJ specific course

You might find some usefl info here:

http://www.sheffieldlive.org/

Nomme

Red Tape studios in the city center do all sorts of courses on production and DJing. They are very highly regarded, and seem fairly cheap.

Be aware it's a tough old industry to get in to.

http://www.redtape.org.uk/

Red Tape charge £15 if you are receiving benefits for each course, or if you are on the minimum wage the fees vary from £55 to £250. If you are above the minimum wage then it's £80 to £350.

You can do Artist/Band management, Logic Audio, Midi programming, studio assistance, web design, studio recording....the list goes on and on. You can also do New Deal for Musicians there. Telephone them on 0114 276 1151.

Some of their bands have played in my pub.

Thanks for the advice given, I have been in touch with Red Tape and they are gonna send me the literature, which sounds intriguing, but what I would love to be able to do is actually speak to someone about these programs and the music creation as a hobby, I don't have many friends, and definately none who are actually interested in this particular field, so if anyone is interested in a meet, a chat and a possible drink, might only be a cup of tea, but hey, money is tight, heh, then tell me through this forum.

By enrolling on a course at Red Tape you'll meet people who are into this sort of thing.

We have at least two DJs on our forum already, you could contact them perhaps

I havent seen either about online lately, but you might get them by phone instead

There are E-man Groovin and SheffieldLive

They are part of the radio station of the same name that functions out of the old pop musuem, erm, I have forgotten its name, the three drums thingy in the city centre.

SheffieldLive the station has a website, have a look at that.

I have met both and they are warm and friendly human beings

I'm a drum & bass DJ and if you want to learn I would recommend getting yourself a decent pair of decks and spend all your money on vinyl. Don't even consider belt drives, if you are serious and can afford it get technics or similar (I have numark ttx-1s). If you get ***** decks they will really hinder your development.

A really good book to get is 'How to DJ properly' http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0593049667/ref=sr_aps_books_1_1/202-9162565-9130226

It does help having mates who are into it too, but most stuff I've learnt I've taught myself through hard practice and listening to other DJs.

good luck!

Yeah, why not do what every famous bloody DJ you can name did, and buy tunes and practise in your room and play in bars and LEARN BY YOURSELF?

Christ, it aint rocket science.

Thanks again for the help given, but Bassman, the info you gave is already known, I know only too well that belt drives suck, but seeing as money is tighter than a nuns rear end, it was the only option available to me, and seeing as I got the Kam BDX 100's and a Gemini PS 626 Pro mixer and a ton of Vinyl all for the tidy sum of 50 quid, then I doubt that I could really complain.

All I need to find now is some people who use the same software as I do, heh.

I know someone who did a course at Red Tape paid for by New Deal. He really loved it.

I'm happy to learn some of this info - I thought you could only get production courses in SHeffield. National mags like DJ etc have ads for DJ lessons elsewhere in the country, but not seen SHeffield before.
Sheffield University also do a 10 week Midi Sampling course as part of their 'Institute for Lifelong Learning' - as an evening course.
PC's and software is probably your best bet for sampling / production etc. However, I have never let myself get dragged into this side of things - or I fear that I would become an obsessed geek (no offence to any of those out there) and I need more that one thing to spend my time on.
Let us know if you learn anything else new. However, I have to agree that DJ / mixing comes from practice, practice, practice - you know, time and dedication. And everyone I know with decks has their own little tricks - watch everyone else and you can perhaps pick them all up!!!
Why don't you get to the forum meet on Thursday to meet some new people??

'Aighty there, nice to see someone else is into learning this stuff, and I would love to go to the meet, but I am the main carer for my kid so I am not able to make it, sadly.
That is why I have been asking for someone to meet me during the day and chat about this subject and maybe learn things from each other, if anyone is interested, let me know through the group or through a PM.