10 Misconceptions of a Mobile DJ Entertainer

Entertainment is not that important to a party. Parties by definition are an entertainment function. It's the entertainment that drives every function.

To be a DJ all you really need is a few CD's and a stereo system. DJ's need an extensive knowledge of music. This knowledge must encompass 70 years of popular music of all styles. Guests often make requests without knowing either the correct song title or artists and the DJ must be able to figure it out.

All the equipment fits in the back of your Toyota sedan. Professional quality audio gear is big and heavy. It does not fit in the trunk of a typical passenger car. Vans and trailers are essential for transporting Professional DJ sound systems and music libraries.

Set up is easy and it only takes 15 minutes. The average set up time for a professional disc jockey is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Some venues can take over twice that of time where access is hindered by lack of an elevator, ramp and parking proximity. The amount and type of equipment required for large shows can also add to the set up time.

Good parties just happen. Good parties don't just happen on their own without some guidance. The key is timing and experience. The only person at a party who has control of the pace is the DJ because he starts and stops the party with the music and microphone.

It takes no training - Anyone can be announce the songs - It looks easy! There is no formal institution or training facility for mobile DJ's. If a DJ makes his job look easy, it is because he has learned his trade only one way: Experience. Learning the control functions of a CD player is easy. However, smooth presentation and music mixing takes many years behind the console. If it were so easy, everyone would be doing it.

DJ's have a lot of fun at parties and get paid for it. DJ's are not guests at parties. They are working under pressure and have a huge responsibility for the out come of the event. People often rank their weddings as the most important day of their lives next to the day their children are born. Yet some will give this responsibility to the lowest bidder. The stress levels and expectations run very high during these events. After all the planning and expenses are invested the ultimate outcome of a wedding is placed almost solely in the hands of the DJ.

DJ's only work for 4 or 5 hours. The length of a party is a small fraction of the time a DJ invests in that event. It is the only part you see. Consultations, equipment upkeep, music library maintenance and the daily routine of business operations are all critical in making that show a success.

Once the equipment is paid off, the rest is all profit. There is no over head. Like every business, DJ's incur continuing costs of doing business. Office space rent, transportation, insurances, new music and equipment, office supplies, advertising, promotion postage, telephone, repairs are just a few of the normal expenses.

And The #1 Misconception About Mobile DJ Entertainers Is...

They are all pretty much the same anyway. To say that all DJ's are all alike is to say that people are all alike. Never assume that recorded music levels the playing field. Personalities on the microphone can vary as much as singer's voices. Experience and music knowledge all make a big difference. Professional DJ's have there own unique style, music and presentation. A good DJ can adjust his style to fit the event. A presentation at a School party should be a lot different than a Retirement Dinner Dance or a Wedding for a couple in their 30's. Experienced DJ's know the difference and you should be aware of the many subtle and substantial differences that distinguish Mobile DJ Entertainers.