A disc jockey acts as the master of ceremonies at
social events. Disc jockeys play the music, break the ice so guests
dance and have a good time, and keep the party flowing. They work mostly
on weekends, focusing on weddings, bar mitzvahs and birthdays.
Disc jockeys usually bring their own equipment and music library, working their banter and playlist into the specifications of the clients. Business ideas such as becoming an independent disc jockey can be a terrific part- or full-time home business for someone with a passion for music.
DJs make an average of $150 for a four-hour party and $350 and up for a wedding, according to the American Disc Jockey Association. No formal training is required. Aspiring DJs can tag along with an established DJ several times to get a feel for the craft. They should also observe when they're guests at parties where disc jockeys are in charge.
A decent sound system for use by a disc jockey can be purchased for $1,000, but the more hesitant can rent equipment. Because the work is so concentrated at night and on weekends, DJs often can hold down a part- or full-time day job as well to supplement their income. Much of the advertising is on the job -- if you impress guests, you're bound to gain new clientele. Be sure to have plenty of cards on hand for those who may approach you for jockeying their event. Some mobile DJs focus on a certain type of music and party -- say, kids' birthdays -- to keep the overhead even lower, but this eliminates a lot of potential business. Building an extensive song library and the ability to entertain at different kinds of social functions will allow for greater profit.
Pros of a Disc Jockey Home Business
DJ Shakey (aka Julie Covello) an established New York City-area DJ with a collection of 9,000 vinyl records, charges $1,500 and up for a party, according to New York Magazine.
Disc jockeys usually bring their own equipment and music library, working their banter and playlist into the specifications of the clients. Business ideas such as becoming an independent disc jockey can be a terrific part- or full-time home business for someone with a passion for music.
DJs make an average of $150 for a four-hour party and $350 and up for a wedding, according to the American Disc Jockey Association. No formal training is required. Aspiring DJs can tag along with an established DJ several times to get a feel for the craft. They should also observe when they're guests at parties where disc jockeys are in charge.
A decent sound system for use by a disc jockey can be purchased for $1,000, but the more hesitant can rent equipment. Because the work is so concentrated at night and on weekends, DJs often can hold down a part- or full-time day job as well to supplement their income. Much of the advertising is on the job -- if you impress guests, you're bound to gain new clientele. Be sure to have plenty of cards on hand for those who may approach you for jockeying their event. Some mobile DJs focus on a certain type of music and party -- say, kids' birthdays -- to keep the overhead even lower, but this eliminates a lot of potential business. Building an extensive song library and the ability to entertain at different kinds of social functions will allow for greater profit.
Pros of a Disc Jockey Home Business
- Guests remember the entertainment more than the food, according to an American Disc Jockey Association survey.
- A disc jockey helps people have a good time, which can be rewarding.
- Independent disc jockey jobs can pay more than what radio DJs earn (on average between $7.43 and $16.81 an hour).
- Turning a disc jockey business venture into a full-time proposition can be difficult, because most gigs take place at night or on weekends.
- Enthusiasm and skill are essential for even the most unglamorous of events.
- Nonresponsive party goers can make for a long gig and a possible blemish on your reputation as a good disc jockey.
- Appropriate attire. A tux or a suit for formal events is a must.
- A mentor DJ to tag along with for a while on disc jockey gigs.
- A winning personality -- be able to work a room without taking it over. Take cues from your customers.
- A sound system -- new, used or rented
- An exhaustive knowledge of at least one genre of music (more, if you expect to diversify) and an extensive library of songs.
- A vehicle with enough room to transport your equipment and reliable enough so you don't miss any of your disc jockey gigs.
- Sufficient storage space for your equipment and music collection
- Business cards, flyers and a website to promote yourself. Keep the investment modest. Word of mouth will generate most of the clientele.
DJ Shakey (aka Julie Covello) an established New York City-area DJ with a collection of 9,000 vinyl records, charges $1,500 and up for a party, according to New York Magazine.