In the mobile entertainment world you can classify DJ’s into two groups; professionals and hobbyists. They both can look similar from the outside. Both have websites, dj equipment, business cards and will charge for their services, but they are not the same.
Don’t get me wrong, being a hobbiest is nothing to be ashamed of. Hobbyist normally have a love for music and being a part time dj is their way of sharing their passion. Some hobbyist may even be a good choice for your wedding, but you need to understand their limitations. I recommend reading this post to help discover what those may be, and to learn what questions you should ask a dj.
When I became a DJ in 2001 I had no idea about this division. I used to look at DJs as the guy who plays the music (the hobbyist). To some respects I was right, but I was missing the bigger picture. Actually I was missing the crucial part of the bigger picture. I was grouping all DJs into that hobbyist group and didn’t even know it.
My awakening came very quickly though. Before my first solo event I started my training. I worked under a veteran DJ named Tim Chisam. Hi showed me what I was missing, and why we had to go beyond the music in order to call ourselves professionals. He also made it clear that we always need to strive to be better or we are doomed to fall back into being a hobbyist.
I’ve taken that to heart over the years, and even after I struck out on my own I continued to look for ways to become better. I’ve gone to conferences, I’ve watched countless videos, and most recently I’ve joined the American Disc Jockey Association. Not only has this group of djs treated me warmly and with open arms, but they’ve also begun to help me understand how I can be better.
This group can quickly be the easiest way to determine what kind of DJ you’re interviewing. Everyone of the DJs I’ve met through the association has a passion for being an entertainer and strives to learn more. We’re actively seeking ways to improve what we do and exceed the expectations of our clients.
If you don’t have the time to research a ton of djs and interview each one, then start your search at adja.org first. You’ll be happy you did.
Thank you for reading, and please visit my site below to learn more about Black Tie DJ Phx.







