DJ ANIMATURE PROJECT

PART 2 – NCFE

Part 2 of this project was divided into three units:

• Unit 1 - Understand dance music production.
• Unit 2 - Demonstrating skills in DJ performance.
• Unit 3 – Preparing for employment in the DJ industry

It was in September 2004 that the national awarding body, NCFE, introduced a course in Music Technology allowing students from the age of 14 the opportunity to get accredited for their sampling and sequencing. This course was intended to encourage an understanding of how music business works, examine copyright issues and looks at career opportunities.

UNIT 1 – Understand dance music production

Through the study of this unit, students were introduced to different levels of DJ skills through an exploration of the background, technology and production techniques utilised in modern popular dance and music. Students had the opportunity to investigate and identify some common terms and features used in production. Using the skills and knowledge they gained from this, the participants were ultimately able to produce and a complete dance and music track

UNIT 2 – Demonstrate skills in DJ performance

Having grasped the foundation of dance music production, students then moved on to learn how to demonstrate DJ skills in performances. Initially they had to identify the technology used in the DJ business and to familiarise themselves with how to set up specified pieces of equipment. As a result of this training, students were able to demonstrate and use mixing skills and audio recording software packages and then produce a short demo tape.

UNIT 3 – Prepare for employment in the DJ industry

This unit was designed for students to explore the types of employment available within the music industry and demonstrate an awareness of business practice. Students had to carry out research on this topic. They found the following to be some of the carers available in the music industry:

• DJs producers for radio programme
• DJ for clubs
• DJ for musicals/ theatre
• Music producers
  

Students also carried out research on the types of skills and qualification these jobs would require. They discovered that they had already gained some of these skills through participating in this project.

All three modules were taught by specialist DJ tutors, Jowills and Ray Lau. On completion, the students received an AQA NCFE Intermediate Certificate of Music technology and DJ mixing skills.

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