DJ Lessons in Santa Monica

Learn to mix, blend, and perform with turntables, controllers, and professional DJ software.

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Our DJ lessons cover everything from beatmatching and mixing fundamentals to advanced techniques like harmonic mixing, scratching, and live performance. Students learn on industry-standard equipment including CDJs, controllers, and turntables, with instruction across house, hip-hop, techno, and open-format styles. Whether you want to play your first house party or headline a club night, we'll get you there.

Santa Monica is a coastal jewel known for its creative community, excellent schools, and laid-back lifestyle. Take Sessions brings world-class private music lessons to Santa Monica families — covering piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, bass, DJ, and music production — through in-home sessions across the city and online instruction with our LA-based musicians.

Students from Santa Monica's acclaimed schools — including Franklin Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, and Santa Monica High School — regularly study with our musicians to build skills for school ensembles, solo performance, and college applications. The city's strong arts culture, supported by institutions like the Broad Stage and Santa Monica Playhouse, inspires a community that takes music seriously.

Whether you live near Montana Avenue, Main Street, or the Ocean Park neighborhood, our musicians come to you for lessons before school, after work, or on weekends. Prefer a studio session? Our Oppenheimer Tower flagship in Westwood is a short drive down Wilshire or Olympic. The beach town atmosphere and creative energy make every lesson feel inspired.

DJ Teachers in Santa Monica

James N., DJ teacher at Take Sessions

James N.

16+ years

DJ, producer, and educator. Berklee grad with a passion for electronic music and live performance.
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Lesson Pricing

Format Duration Per Lesson Package
Private In-Person 30 min $55 4 for $200
Private In-Person Popular 45 min $75 4 for $280
Private In-Person 60 min $95 4 for $360
Private Online 30 min $45 4 for $160
Private Online Popular 45 min $65 4 for $240
Private Online 60 min $85 4 for $320
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What DJ Students Say

"James is a phenomenal DJ instructor. His live performance background brings so much depth to lessons. I've learned more about mixing and beat selection in 2 months than I thought possible."

Sophia R. Sophia R. · with James N.

DJ Lesson FAQs

Do I need my own DJ equipment to start lessons?
No — our studio is fully equipped with industry-standard CDJs, controllers, turntables, and software. You can learn on our gear during lessons. When you're ready to practice at home, your instructor will recommend a beginner-friendly controller that fits your budget, typically starting around $200–300.
What age is right to start DJ lessons?
DJ lessons work well for teens and adults — most students start around age 13 and up. Younger students benefit from having some basic music listening experience and the attention span for technical instruction. There's no upper age limit — many of our adult students are learning DJing as a new creative outlet or hobby.
Do I need to know music theory to learn DJing?
No prior music theory knowledge is required. Your instructor will teach you the essentials as you go — things like song structure, phrasing, and harmonic mixing. Many students find that DJing actually builds their music theory understanding naturally because you're constantly analyzing how songs fit together.
What software and hardware will I learn on?
We teach on industry-standard platforms including Serato DJ, Rekordbox, and Traktor. On the hardware side, you'll work with Pioneer CDJs, DJ controllers, and vinyl turntables. Your instructor will help you choose the right setup based on the style of DJing you want to pursue — whether that's club DJing, mobile events, or turntablism.
How long before I can DJ at a real event?
Most dedicated students are ready to play a casual event (house party, friend's birthday) within 2–3 months. To feel confident at a club or professional gig, expect 6–12 months of consistent practice and lessons. Your instructor will help you build a library, develop your mixing skills, and prepare for live performance scenarios.

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