FAQ

How many people are in a class?

A typical Beat Refinery group class will consist of anywhere from 5–8 students.

What is the experience level of Beat Refinery Instructors?

Our instructors include accomplished club DJs and world-renowned battle champions with collectively decades worth of experience. Their vast knowledge and hands-on approach provides a great learning experience. For full bios, please click here.

What are some of the main skills I will learn?

Students will learn everything from novice level DJ knowledge up to expert skills sets. You learn how to beat match, scratch, drop mix, create mash-ups, record multi-track mixes, along with various DJ/Music theories. Furthermore, the Beat Refinery has intro and beginner courses on a variety of production and recording softwares like Ableton, Pro-Tools, and Logic.

Do I need to take previous courses before doing other courses?

It is not required to take all the courses consecutively however, any student who wishes to take advanced courses will be asked to present their ability to a Beat Refinery Instructor for approval.

What kind of music can I learn to DJ?

Students will learn how to DJ whatever style or genre they wish to excel at. Some of the genres that will available but not limited to are: Hip Hop, R & B, Pop, Reggae, Funk, Soul, Rock, 80′s, Mashups, Reggae, House and other forms of electronic music. There will also be Drum Loops and Scratch sounds accessible in the Beat Refinery Music Library.

What Kind of Equipment do you use?

Each Beat Refinery workstation will be equipped with 2 Vinyl Turntables, a Rane 57 mixer, Serato Scratch Live, Ortofon Needles and Slipmats, and a laptop. Students will also have DJ Headphones and their own individual Studio Monitor for sound.

What is Serato Scratch Live?

Scratch Live is a vinyl emulation software application created by New Zealand-based Serato Audio Research, distributed by and licensed exclusively to Rane Corporation. Serato was first known for its popular Pro Tools plug-in Pitch N Time which was sold predominantly to the film industry. However since its debut in May 2004, Scratch Live has become Serato’s main product focus, and as such, Scratch Live is often referred to simply as “Serato” within the DJ and music scene. Scratch Live allows manipulation and playback of digital audio files (mp3, wav, aiff, ogg and non-DRM aac) using traditional vinyl turntables or CD players via special timecode vinyl records or CDs. It seeks to cross the divide between the versatility of digital audio and the tactile control of vinyl turntablism and has become the industry’s dominant digital DJ’ing tool.

Do I need any equipment of my own? Can I buy my own?

All course equipment will be provided by the Beat Refinery program and B2R. If you would like to purchase any products, you will be able to directly from B2R at prices cheaper than Standard Retail Pricing.

Do I have an individual workstation?

Yes, all students will have their own workstation for the duration of the course.

Are cell phones or cameras allowed in the classroom?

For the respect of other students and B2R, there will be no cell phone or video cameras permitted in the classroom.

Make up Classes?

We don’t offer make up classes, but you may come in at least 15 minutes before the next class or stay 15 minutes afterwards to get a quick make up lesson from the instructor. You can also set up an appointment for a make up lesson during one of our Open Sessions.

Can I request practice time?

Yes, you can set up an appointment to use our equipment during one of our Open Sessions.

Is there a student discount?

Yes, all college students get 15% off our Thursday night classes with a valid student ID. Please call to sign up!

Why didn’t you answer my question?

If you need to get in touch with us, please email us at beatrefinery@b2rmusic.com, or call us at 877-434-BEAT.