Workshop: DJing Latin Music

The content of this workshop reaches across two knowledge areas: the aspects of sound; and song selection. It spans a minimum of four weeks but normally runs for eight; with one 1-hour theoretical session and one evening hands-on practical per week. Listening and literature research projects are assigned between each theory session, so that you learn how to build up a knowledge base to inform your song selection strategies.

Aspects of sound
As sound is the tool of the trade, it is essential that you understand its properties and behaviour. All DJs irrespective of genre should be fluent with this material.

• Properties of sound
  Speed, frequency, wavelength, spread.
   
• Environmental variables
  Absorption characteristics of air and the human body; room size and surfaces; standing waves.
   
• Equipment
  Setup, optimisation, levelling (gain vs. volume), best practice.
   
• Qualitative consistency
  Compensating for passive systems; media production quality.
   
• Psychoacoustics
  Sonic implications - altering frequency balance for a particular effect; helping the listener.
   

Song Selection
What makes a Latin music DJ different from a DJ who simply owns a few salsa compilations, is an intimate understanding of the needs of the dancing public, and how to choose the appropriate pieces to satisfy these needs.

• The Professional versus The Amateur
  Reading the audience; understanding the preference register, the needs of the dancer.
   
• Skills development
  Research skills; critical listening; subjective ranking; expanding repertoire.
   
• Genres
  Ear training; indigenous context; transnational context; local context.
   
• Groupings
  Artist, genre, geography, style, epoch, label, producer.
   
• Assembly
  Cueing, tempo changes, group linking, navigating by feel.
   
• Guest slots and residencies
  Quick start, DJ as educator; training your audience.
   
• Common traps
  Partially utilised collections; overcoming complacency.