Classes

DJ Certificate Program:

Do you have what it takes to be a professional DJ? Want the chance to follow your dreams and earn extra money? We thought so! The Beat Refinery provides not only the skills required to be a professional DJ, but also the support and knowledge to learn the business side. Upon completion of all the Beat Refinery required Courses and Performances, you will receive the Official Beat Refinery Institute Certificate. This allows you to become an official member of the Beat Refinery Talent Agency where we can help guide and provide you with work opportunities. We are already positioned throughout the DMV area and among national corporations and organizations and have transformed our students into working DJs in just months after earning their certificates. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today to start your journey on the 1′s and 2′s!

Required Courses and Commitments:

1. Complete Intro to DJing
2. Complete Basic Mixing and DJ Techniques
3. Complete Basic Scratching and Turntable Techniques
4. Complete Intermediate Mixing and DJ Techniques 1.0
5. Complete Intermediate Mixing and DJ Techniques 2.0
6. Complete 1 Elective Course of your choice
7. Complete The Full Time DJ Career Course
8. Attend 1 Workshop of your choice
9. Attend and Participate in 5 Beat Refinery Events
10. Pass The Final Exam

MixLab

The Beat Refinery is now proud to offer it’s newest program, MixLab. MixLab is a continuous year long program that meets once a week, at the same time throughout the year. Students will learn all facets of being a DJ from basic instruction through intermediate and advanced techniques, helping them become prepared for any DJ opportunities. MixLab works on a flexible monthly payment plan so students can conveniently take the course whenever their schedule permits it. Our world renown instructors will create a tailor-made curriculum for each student as it applies to their skill level. Students who complete a full MixLab course will be eligible to receive their BEAT REFINERY CERTIFICATE. This allows you to become an official member of the Beat Refinery Talent Agency where we can help guide and provide you with work opportunities. Around the world, the DJ culture is known for being a strong supportive community of each other, building lasting friendships as well as business relationships. One of the goals of MixLab is to promote these same foundations in a fun, exciting learning environment.

 

 

Fast Track
[$425 / 4 weeks / 2 hours each]

Pressed for time? Motivated to be the next big DJ? Then get on the FastTrack to DJ Mixing, Beat Refinery’s newest concentrated course. In FastTrack, we incorporate the necessities of Intro to DJ and the skill sets of Basic Mixing & DJ Techniques into an accelerated format. This class will meet for 2 hours once a week for 4 weeks . By the end of FastTrack, you will be ready for Basic Scratching and Turntablism or our Intermediate Mixing & DJ Techniques class. The course rate is $425, which is a savings of $100 off the standard price rates! Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Intro to DJing:
[$175 / 4 weeks / 60 min each]

Ever wondered what it takes to be a DJ? The Intro course is designed to give you a glimpse into the techniques you can master as a Beat Refinery Student. We will touch on the History, Culture, and the Art of the DJ, as well as possible career paths. Basic equipment functions along with Scratch Live®, the industry standard DJ vinyl emulation software will be introduced. Working with a professional DJ on individual work stations, students get hands on training in Scratching, Mixing, and Blending techniques. There are no prerequisites and no previous DJ/Audio technology experience required. Upon finishing this course, our goal is to prepare you for one of our next courses: Basic Mixing and DJ Techniques or Basic Scratching and Turntablism. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Basic Mixing & DJ Techniques:
[$350 / 8 weeks / 60 min each]

Move from a general overview of DJing into beginner and basic skills focusing on mixing and blending techniques. Basic Scratching skills as they apply to mixing will also be taught. Students learn fundamental music and DJ theory while getting more familiar with Serato Scratch Live®. We will study a variety of skills with the goal to have each student mixing and matching beats at a comfortable level. Intro to DJing completion required or a general DJ knowledge prerequisite. Recommended Course after completion: Intermediate Mixing and DJ Techniques 1.0 or Basic Scratching and Turntablism. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Intermediate Mixing & DJ Techniques 1.0:
[$350 / 8 weeks / 60 min each]

Part 1: Dive a bit deeper into what it takes to become a great DJ. Move from novice to mid-level skills in all facets of the turntables. Learn about trick mixing, intermediate Scratching and Mixing as well as Music Programming and Multi-Genre Mixing. Become more adept with Serato Scratch Live® and its functionality. Entry level Remixing, Editing and Production tools will be explored. It is recommended to first take Basic DJ Techniques. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Intermediate Mixing & DJ Techniques 2.0:
[$350 / 8 weeks / 60 min each]

Part 2: Dive even deeper into what it takes to become a great DJ. Move from mid-level to advanced skills in all facets of the turntables. Learn more about trick mixing, intermediate Scratching and Mixing as well as Music Programming and Multi-Genre Mixing. Become even more adept with Serato Scratch Live® and its functionality. Mid-level Remixing, Editing and Production tools will be explored. It is recommended to first take Intermediate Mixing and DJing Techniques 1.0. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

The Full-Time DJ Career:

Whether you’re ready to consider DJing Professionally, or as a serious hobby, the Mixing & Programming course will help you obtain many of the skills required. Even if students are familiar with several DJ skill sets, sharpen up on DJ/Music Theory, Mixing, Programming, and Scratching, while learning more advanced techniques in these core elements. Students will learn all the aspects of Serato Scratch Live® from Program Shortcuts to Looping while understanding the importance of Music Organization. It is recommended to have taken Basic and Intermediate DJ Techniques before entering. Students who feel they are ready for this course without prior courses will be asked to demo their skills before enrollment.Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

The DJ Becomes the Music Producer:

Have you always wanted to learn how to make a mix CD? Do you want to learn how to make your own remixes and beats? This class is geared towards the Studio DJ. Students will learn how to multi track mix a demo, learn live and studio remixing, along with Ableton Live, the newest music phenomenon that bridges the DJ and the producer together. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Basic Scratching and Turntablism:
[$350 / 8 weeks / 60 min each]

Learn how to master the secret weapon of a great DJ, Scratching and experience the art form of the DJ transforming into a musician. Students learn proper hand placement and crossfader manipulation while perfecting several of the classic Scratch sounds that have transformed the turntable into an instrument. No prerequisites are required, however it is recommended to first take Basic and Intermediate DJ Techniques. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Intermediate Scratching & Turntablism:
[$350 / 8 weeks / 60 min each]
After making your way through Basic Scratching and Turntablism, you will be ready to tackle the advanced techniques of turntable manipulation. Learn all the difficult scratches along with becoming a beat maker with just a needle and a record. Get familiar with DJing’s form of written music, Scratch Notation, and hone your skills. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Intro to Ableton Live 1.0:
[$480 / 8 weeks / 90 min each]
Learn how to create your own remixes or edits of your favorite songs using Ableton Live, the industry-standard digital audio software. In Intro to Ableton Live: Level 1, we will take you from no previous knowledge of music creating and editing software, to producing 5 completed projects in 6 weeks. Students will learn to navigate Ableton Live, and create multiple DJ-friendly mixes, remixes, and song edits. Completion of Intro to DJing course or equivalent experience (consultation with one of our instructors) is required. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

Intro to Ableton Live 2.0:
[$480 / 8 weeks / 90 min each]
Continue your introduction to Ableton Live by exploring the “live” performance aspects of this powerful digital audio software. In addition to learning to “perform live” with Live, students will create original instrumental tracks, and remixes, and will explore audio sound effects, MIDI instrumentation and programming, and learn more studio mixing and recording basics. Completion of Intro to Ableton Live, Level 1 course is the prerequisite for this class. After completing the full Intro To Ableton Live (Levels 1&2) course, students will be able to control all basic functions of Live and move on to more advanced techniques. Please Note: There will be a $25 materials fee for new students payable on the first day of class.

 

 

For pricing of advanced classes and private instruction for Reason, Ableton, and ProTools, please contact us directly at 877-434-BEAT.