Turntablism 101

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Subject Description:
This 6-week course is designed to teach the fundamental principles of the art form known
as turntablism. Extensive training on DJ theories such as mixing, basic scratching, and
fundamentals of an effective DJ that will provide a novice DJ with the techniques necessary
to begin DJ’ing as a hobby or for the party scene.

Turntablism- the art or activity of using multiple phonograph turntables to create music.

Subject Hours:
24 class hours

Performance Objectives:
- Equipment set up and breakdown
- Basic Mixing skills, beat matching
- Beginner Scratching
- Fundamentals on how to be an effective DJ

Prerequisites:
None

Instructional Methods:
Lecture, Demonstration, Hands-on Lab

Maximum Student Ratio:
12:1

Materials and Media References:
Broughton, Brewster, 2003. How To DJ Right: The Art And Science Of Playing Records.
Grove Press, New York, NY.
Webber, Stephen,2003. Turntable Technique: The Art of the DJ. Berklee Press, Boston, MA.

Class Content Outline:
Class 1: Meet and greet of students and instructor. Complete a questionnaire and assessment
asdfadsfof previous knowledge of turntablism. Discuss Course objectives.
asdfadsf• Basic Setup (Summary of what’s being used in class)
asdfadsf• Learning the turntable (i.e. components)
asdfadsf• Learning the Mixer (i.e. components)
asdfadsf• Learning the record (i.e. grooves, order of songs, A & B sides)
asdfadsf• Packing the hole
asdfadsf• Hand Placement on the record
asdfadsf• Beats Per Minute (BPM)
asdfadsf• Cueing up a record (Finding the downbeat) /marking cue points with stickers
asdfadsf• Playing a record
Class 2: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz). Continue cueing records. Record control.
asdfadsfUp-fader control. Begin beat matching.
asdfadsf• Dragging the platter (slow down record)
asdfadsf• Platter push (speed up record)
asdfadsf• Spinning the label (fast forward/rewind record)
asdfadsf• Tweeking the spindle (speeding and slowing down record with precision)
asdfadsf• Pitch adjustment (speeding and slowing down record with precision)
asdfadsf• Fader control (Ups, normal or reverse [hamster]?)
asdfadsf• Beat matching doubles using kicks & snares (RecShop Breaks)
Class 3: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue cueing records.
asdfadsfBegin using headphones.
asdfadsf• Beat matching kick/snare doubles using RecShop Breaks (re-cap)
asdfadsf• Using Headphones (cueing)
asdfadsf• Using master/cue switch with headphones
asdfadsf• Counting Beats/bars (4/4 time, up beat[snare], down beat[kick], etc)
asdfadsf• BPM & Cue records on down beat [kick]
asdfadsf• Catching the up beat[snare] in the mix
asdfadsf• Beat matching doubles song instrumentals
asdfadsf• Beat matching doubles songs w/ lyrics
Class 4: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue cueing records,
asdfadsfbeat matchingwith headphones, counting bars, BPM’ing, back cueing.
asdfadsfBegin blending/mixingwith headphones.
asdfadsf• Back Cueing (rewinding) with up fader & headphones
asdfadsf• Beat matching different songs w/ lyrics
asdfadsf• How and where to place a mix (length of intros, hooks, outros, etc.)
asdfadsf• Begin blending/mixing 2 different songs with headphones
Class 5: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue blending and/or
asdfadsfmixing with headphones.
asdfadsf• How and where to place a mix (length of intros, outros, choruses, etc.)
asdfadsf• Blending/mixing 2 different songs with headphones
Class 6: Re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue mixing with different songs
asdfadsf& headphones. Cross fader control. Begin to learn basic scratches.
asdfadsf• Cross Fader control (eliminating the back scrape)
asdfadsf• Baby scratch (forwards/back, slow, medium, fast)
asdfadsf• Practice scratch with a beat
Class 7: Re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue mixing with different songs
asdfadsf& headphones. Continue scratches learned. Learn new scratch.
asdfadsf• Drag (forwards/back & slow medium, fast)
asdfadsf• Practice scratch with a beat
asdfadsf• Combine scratches to make sentences
Class 8: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue mixing with different
asdfadsfsongs & headphones. Continue scratches learned. Learn new scratch.
asdfadsf• Scribble (rapid baby scratches)
asdfadsf• Practice scratch with a beat
asdfadsf• Combine scratches to make sentences
Class 9: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue mixing with different
asdfadsfsongs & headphones. Continue scratches learned. Learn new scratch.
asdfadsf• Fades (forwards/backwards, slow, medium, fast)
asdfadsf• Practice scratch with a beat
asdfadsf• Combine scratches to make sentences
Class 10: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue mixing with different
asdfadsfsongs & headphones. Continue scratches learned. Learn new scratch.
asdfadsf• Stab (forwards/backwards, slow, medium, fast)
asdfadsf• Practice scratch with a beat
asdfadsf• Combine scratches to make sentences
Class 11: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz/questions). Continue mixing with different
asdfadsfsongs & headphones. Continue scratches learned. Learn new scratch.
asdfadsf• Cutting [rapid back cueing] (forwards/backwards, slow, medium, fast)
asdfadsf• Practice scratch with a beat
asdfadsf• Combine scratches to make sentences
Class 12: FINAL will include:
asdfadsf• Written exam
asdfadsf• 4 song mix to include at least 3 scratches
asdfadsf• Participation in final scratch session!

Basis of Grading:
Attendance: 25%
Participation: 25%
Final skills exam : 50%

Turntablism 201: Advanced Techniques

Subject Description:
The second part of this series focuses on advanced mixing and scratching techniques to
take your skills to the next level. Students will continue to learn about the art form by building
on the fundamentals taught in the 101 and enhancing them to create an
individual presence behind the decks.

Subject Hours:
24 class hours

Performance Objectives:
- Demonstrate familiarity with Beat Juggling
- Advanced Mixing/beat matching/transitioning
- Advanced Scratching

Prerequisites:
Turntablism 101 or proven knowledge and skill of techniques taught in 101.

Helpful Resources:
• Webber, Stephen, 2003. Turntable Technique: The Art of the DJ. Berklee Press, Boston, MA.
• Broughton, Brewster, 2003. How To DJ Right: The Art And Science Of Playing Records. Grove
Press, New York, NY.

Instructional Methods:
Lecture, Demonstration, Hands-on Lab

Maximum Student Ratio:
12:1

Class Content Outline:
Class 1: Meet and greet of students and instructor. Questionaire and assessment of previous
asdfadsf knowledge and skills. Discuss course objectives.
asdfadsf• Getting familiar with all the gear, features, set up and connections pros and
asdfadgd cons of standard and battle style setups
asdfadsf• Preparing the record (advanced marking the record (Cue points), packing the hole, etc.)
Class 2: Brief recap of previous class (quiz). Getting started with playing records and basic
asdfafdsmixing with and without earphones.
asdfadsf• Getting started with playing records and basic mixing without earphones and
asdfadfgs then with earphones
Class 3: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsfIntroduction into advanced mixing
asdfadsf• Revolution counting
asdfadsf• Looping breaks using 2 records
asdfadsf• Quick mixing and transition tricks
Class 4: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Trick mixing and beat clapping
asdfadsf• Basic Beat Drumming Techniques
Class 5: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Basic beat juggle patterns
Class 6: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Advanced beat juggle patterns
asdfadsf• How to develop a basic or advanced beat juggle or battle routine
Class 7: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Tears
asdfadsf• Transforms
asdfadsf• Practice scratches with a beat scratching in a band
Class 8: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Dicing (transformed tears)
asdfadsf• Practice scratches with a beat
Class 9: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Chirps
asdfadsf• Practice scratches with a beat
Class 10: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Crab Scratch
asdfadsf• Practice scratches with a beat
Class 11: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• 1 click flare
asdfadsf• Practice scratches with a beat
Class 12: Brief re-cap of previous class (quiz).
asdfadsf• Marches (Combining scratches)
asdfadsf• Practice scratches with a beat

Basis of Grading:
Attendance: 25%
Participation: 25%
Final skills exam : 50%

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