Top 10 DJ Courses In Los Angeles

Learning to DJ in Los Angeles? Here's our roundup of the city's top DJ courses, catering to beginners and intermediate learners.

With world-class nightlife, there's no shortage of Los Angeles DJs, yet there's still plenty of demand. Whether your goal is to play at a house party, your favorite club, or on festival stages, these are some of the best places to learn how to DJ.

Find below the best DJ courses the city has to offer, with a range of short to long-term courses at all price points. Some of the best DJs on the West Coast have even set up their own DJ schools, so you're in safe hands.

1. Scratch DJ Academy

Location: 2324 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Scratch has been offering DJ lessons in LA since 2002 and was founded by none other than Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC. As one of the top DJ academies in LA, you're in very safe hands. The academy provides both short and long-term options at different price points for all types of DJs, catering to all experience levels.

Types Of Courses: Offers comprehensive DJ courses, from basic to advanced levels, as well as specialised classes in scratching and digital DJing. You can also do lessons in person or online, with ultimate flexibility.

Cost: Scratch DJ Academy offers some of the most affordable DJ courses in LA. Prices start at $125 per hour for a deluxe lesson and $185 per hour for a premium lesson, with a DJ with over five years of experience.

How To Apply: Visit their website for detailed information on course offerings and enrollment.

2. DJ|LA Classes

Location: 1619 N La Brea Ave Suite 511, Los Angeles, CA 90028

DJ|LA provides small group DJ classes based in Hollywood, designed to prepare you for DJ gigs. Founded by DJ Jnold, who has over 15 years of experience, these classes aim to enhance and refine DJ skills, covering everything from how to beatmatch to beginner DJ transitions. Be sure to top up your skills with some solo practice at our nearby Silver Lake DJ studios.

Types Of Courses: DJ|LA provides 8:1 teaching ratio courses covering all aspects of DJing, based in Hollywood. Choose from their short courses, 1-day courses, beginner courses, and 1-on-1 tuition.

Cost: Prices start from $1550 to $3995, depending on the level and whether the course is 1:1.

How To Apply: Visit their website to book a course; no specific requirements are necessary.

3. IO Music Academy

Location: 1550 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

IO Music Academy provides short-term DJ courses that teach the fundamentals in small classes of three, each led by a professional tutor. The courses, held in person at their LA Campus in Hollywood, offer one of the best DJ school experiences with hands-on learning. Despite being relatively new, its course structure provides a great way to learn DJing in Los Angeles.

Types Of Courses: IO Music Academy offers both 3-month and 9-month courses. The 3-month course introduces DJs to the fundamentals of mixing.

Cost: Courses start at $1599 for a 3-month in-person course, with the longer course priced at $4,599. A $249 registration fee is applicable.

How To Apply: Visit their website for admissions information and requirements.

4. 1500 Sound Academy

Location: 8729 Aviation Blvd Ste 1, Inglewood, CA 90301

Formed with leading industry experts, including Grammy nominated producer Larrance Dopson, 1500 Sound Academy prioritizes collaboration and artistry. Recognized on our list of the Best Music Production Schools in Los Angeles, it also stands as one of the best DJ schools in the city, training artists for over a decade and making its professional DJ programs a top choice.

Types Of Courses: The courses cover DJ performance, the art of mixing, CDJ know-how, and DJ essentials, with both short-term and long-term DJ programs available.

Cost: The main year-long DJ program costs $12,500. Financing and loans are available.

How To Apply: Enroll on their website — courses run throughout the year and are available for online booking.

5. Garnish Music Production School

Location: 12435 Oxnard St, Los Angeles, CA 91606

Garnish offers DJ courses tailored for beginners to bedroom DJs. It stands as an ideal first stop for newbies seeking to refine their skills. The courses are meticulously detailed, covering all the necessary ground to prepare you and significantly boost your confidence in your skillset and performance ability.

Types Of Courses: Garnish’s DJ courses are conducted in person with a hands-on approach.

Cost: $1,299, with additional admin fees.

How To Apply: Check their website for enrollment details and specific DJ course information.

6. Point Blank Music School

Location: 1035 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Originally founded in 1994, Point Blank Music School has expanded globally to provide comprehensive music education, offering DJ courses for beginners to advanced learners. Their curriculum teaches you how to navigate a CDJ, master mixing techniques, and prepare for your next set, whether it be for a festival or another venue, all under the guidance of top-rated DJ instructors.

Types Of Courses: Point Blank provides DJ and music production courses, renowned for its industry connections. It offers a spectrum of courses, including DJ summer schools, a complete DJ course, creative DJ courses, and both essential and advanced DJ schools.

Cost: Courses start from $4,895, depending on the course type and length.

How To Apply: Visit their website to apply for their courses.

7. DJ School at Musicians Institute

Location: 6752 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Established in 1977, MI is celebrated for its contemporary music education, providing DJ classes in Los Angeles to refine your craft and empower you to seamlessly navigate different interfaces. Students have the opportunity to learn on mixed tools, including CDJs and Turntables, with courses structured in a 2-quarter, 30-unit format to get you DJing proficiently in no time.

Types Of Courses: While MI is primarily a contemporary music college, it seamlessly integrates DJing into its programs. MI also offers degree programs with DJ and production components.

Cost: From $510 per credit; for detailed information, visit their tuition website.

How To Apply: Explore their website for degree program details and admission procedures.

8. Pete Tong DJ Academy

Location: Online, Worldwide

The Pete Tong DJ Academy harnesses the expertise of genre masters such as Carl Cox and Pete Tong, not only equipping students with the hard skills of DJing but also instilling soft skills vital in the industry. The curriculum delves into networking, music business, and artistry, maintaining an industry-first focus. With access to their exclusive 'Talent Pool,' once you've completed your learning journey, you can bask in their extensive industry connections.

Types Of Courses: The academy offers two types of courses, catering to beginners and those seeking the full experience. Courses are self-paced, allowing flexibility in learning, fitting seamlessly into your schedule, perhaps in between practice sessions at Pirate Silver Lake or West Adams.

Cost: Two pricing tiers are available at $379, and the full course is priced at $447.

How To Apply: Anyone can apply; just head over to their website.

9. Beat Junkies Institute of Sound

Location: 5130 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204

Founded in 2017 by the LA DJ crew Beat Junkies, the school was established by DJs, for DJs. They'll teach you how to mix like a pro, gain confidence behind the decks, and finally how to get a DJ gig.

Types Of Courses: DJ courses covered include: 'Intro to DJing' for beginners, 'Foundation' for intermediates, and 'Structure' for advanced DJs. It's recommended to use these courses as building blocks for a comprehensive learning experience.

Cost: Prices are available upon request, and you can schedule a meeting with one of their course advisors to find the best course at the most suitable price for you.

How To Apply: Applications are open to everyone and can be submitted through the courses section of their website. You may have to complete an in-person assessment for the more advance courses.

10. Masterclass

Location: Online, Worldwide

A rogue choice, but Masterclass offers intensive short course beginners courses across a variety of subjects at an affordable price point. This DJing workshop is offered by producer and DJ QuestLove, of The Roots fame, who has produced for the likes of D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and Jay-Z.

Types Of Courses: QuestLove's DJ course is taught over 13 sessions, which offer a more holistic approach to DJing — considering how to develop your artistry through new technology, expanding your music library and essential equipment.

Cost: Plans start from $10pm, billed annually.

How To Apply: Subscription based model, anyone can sign up.

Whether you're looking for a short crash course or a long-term commitment to master the art of DJing, there are a diverse range of options for DJ training in Los Angeles. Short course lengths provide the flexibility and breadth to up your skill set in a matter of months (or days!). And remember, you can always book some private DJ lessons at your local Pirate before committing to longer programs to ensure a solid foundation.

Make sure to check each academy's website for the most up-to-date information on course offerings, pricing, and admission requirements.