Turntable Triumph: Discover the DJ World

12th Grade

Project
6 weeks

Turntable Triumph: Discover the DJ World

Jesse Lopez

Purpose

This project aims to deepen your understanding of music production and DJ culture by mastering turntable techniques. By engaging with community partners, such as fellow students and individuals eager to learn turntablism, you'll transform from a novice to an experienced turntable user. Through a combination of workshops and exhibitions, you'll explore the rich history and cultural significance of DJing, highlighting diverse contributions across communities. The project will culminate in a 'Turntable Taster Workshop,' where you'll introduce peers to the basics of turntablism, allowing them to experiment with scratching and mixing. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your technical skills but also foster a greater appreciation for the art and culture of DJing.

Learning goals

In this project, you will delve into the intricate world of turntablism, mastering the skills necessary to operate turntables and a mixer effectively. You'll explore the rich history and cultural significance of DJing, understanding how diverse communities have shaped this art form. By the end of the project, you'll have the ability to teach others, particularly local kids, about the technical and cultural aspects of DJing, fostering a deeper appreciation for this vibrant culture. Through hands-on practice and community engagement, you'll enhance your understanding of music production and DJ culture, culminating in a showcase of your skills and knowledge during an open exhibition night.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
National Core Arts Standards - Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

Products

Throughout this 6-week independent project, you will accomplish the following: First, you'll gain hands-on experience with turntables and a mixer, mastering essential DJ techniques such as scratching and mixing. You'll also delve into the rich history and cultural significance of DJing, understanding its diverse roots and contributions from various communities. By the end of the project, you'll have taught local kids how to use turntables, creating a community workshop that highlights the cultural history of DJing. Finally, you'll participate in an Exhibition Night, showcasing your skills and receiving feedback on your mixes and technique. This journey will not only enhance your technical abilities but also deepen your appreciation for DJ culture and music production.

Launch

Kick off your project with an exciting 'Turntable Taster Workshop' where you introduce your peers to the fundamentals of turntablism. This hands-on session will allow you and your classmates to explore the basics of scratching and mixing, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for the art of DJing. Use this opportunity to share your knowledge of the turntable equipment, and encourage your peers to try their hand at creating their own unique sounds. This engaging start will set the tone for your journey into mastering turntable techniques and understanding DJ culture.

Exhibition

At the end of this project, you can host an Open Turntables Exhibition Night. This event will be an opportunity for you to showcase your newfound skills and understanding of turntable techniques. Invite your peers, community members, and anyone interested in DJ culture to experience live demonstrations of scratching and mixing. Encourage attendees to bring their records and participate, creating an interactive and engaging atmosphere. This exhibition will not only celebrate your growth but also foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural history and significance of DJing.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Introduction to the Project - Discuss the purpose and goals of the project. Familiarize yourself with the project timeline and expectations.	Day 2: Equipment Orientation - Get hands-on with the turntables and mixer. Learn the basic components and setup of the equipment.	Day 3: Basic Turntable Techniques - Begin learning fundamental techniques such as cueing and beatmatching. Practice these techniques with guidance.	Day 4: Introduction to Scratching - Explore basic scratching techniques. Watch tutorial videos and practice simple scratch patterns.	Day 5: Cultural Exploration - Research the history and cultural significance of DJing. Identify key figures and moments in the evolution of turntablism.
Deliverables	1. Project Plan - A document outlining your personal goals and timeline for mastering turntablism. 2. Equipment Familiarity Checklist - A checklist confirming your understanding of each component of the turntable setup. 3. Basic Technique Demonstration - A short video demonstrating your ability to cue and beatmatch tracks. 4. Cultural Research Summary - A brief written summary of your findings on the history and cultural significance of DJing.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Advanced Turntable Techniques - Build on basic skills by learning more advanced techniques such as backspinning and looping. Practice these techniques with instructor guidance.	Day 2: Mixing and Transitions - Focus on developing smooth transitions between tracks. Learn techniques for blending songs seamlessly and practice creating a short mix.	Day 3: Guest DJ Workshop - Attend a workshop led by a guest DJ who will demonstrate advanced skills and share insights into DJ culture. Engage in Q&A and practical exercises.	Day 4: Cultural Context of DJing - Dive deeper into the cultural contexts of DJing, focusing on its influence across various musical genres and communities. Create a presentation on a chosen aspect of DJ culture.	Day 5: Practice and Reflection - Spend time practicing the techniques learned throughout the week. Reflect on your progress and identify areas for further improvement.
Deliverables	1. Advanced Technique Video - A video showcasing your ability to perform advanced turntable techniques such as backspinning and looping. 2. Mixing Exercise - A recorded mix demonstrating your ability to create smooth transitions between tracks. 3. Cultural Presentation - A presentation capturing the cultural context and influence of DJing, focusing on a specific genre or community.
Preparation

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Advanced Scratching Techniques - Learn and practice advanced scratching patterns such as chirps, transforms, and crabs. Use tutorial videos and peer feedback to refine your skills.	Day 2: Collaborating with Peers - Partner with a fellow student to create a short collaborative mix. Focus on integrating different scratching and mixing techniques seamlessly.	Day 3: Community Engagement - Plan a session with local kids to introduce them to DJing. Develop a simple lesson plan that includes interactive activities and demonstrations.	Day 4: Historical Influences - Research the evolution of DJing in a specific decade or genre. Prepare a short written piece or presentation highlighting key developments and influencers.	Day 5: Personal Practice and Journaling - Dedicate time to practicing the week's techniques. Maintain a journal documenting your progress, challenges, and reflections.
Deliverables	1. Advanced Scratching Video - A video demonstrating your ability to perform advanced scratching techniques. 2. Collaborative Mix - A recorded mix created in collaboration with a peer, showcasing a variety of scratching and mixing techniques. 3. Lesson Plan for Kids - A detailed plan for a DJing session aimed at local kids, including objectives, activities, and materials needed. 4. Historical Research Piece - A written summary or presentation on the evolution of DJing in a chosen decade or genre. 5. Progress Journal - A journal entry reflecting on your practice sessions, challenges faced, and areas for improvement.
Preparation

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Deep Dive into Mixing Styles - Explore various mixing styles and techniques, such as EQ mixing and harmonic mixing. Study examples from different DJs and practice incorporating these styles into your mixes.	Day 2: Equipment Maintenance Workshop - Learn the importance of maintaining your DJ equipment. Attend a session on cleaning and calibrating turntables and mixers to ensure optimal performance.	Day 3: Community Workshop Planning - Collaborate with peers to finalize the details for the upcoming community workshop for local kids. Organize roles, materials, and a timeline for the event.	Day 4: Cultural Integration - Explore how DJing interacts with other art forms, such as dance and visual arts. Prepare a presentation or short video demonstrating these intersections.	Day 5: Personal Practice and Feedback Session - Dedicate time to practicing all techniques learned thus far. Participate in a feedback session with peers or instructors to gain insights into your progress.
Deliverables	1. Mixing Styles Portfolio - A collection of recorded mixes showcasing different mixing styles and techniques learned during the week. 2. Equipment Maintenance Log - A document detailing the steps taken for maintaining your DJ equipment, including a checklist for regular upkeep. 3. Community Workshop Plan - A comprehensive plan for the upcoming workshop, including roles, materials needed, and a timeline of events. 4. Cultural Integration Presentation - A presentation or video illustrating the interaction between DJing and other art forms, highlighting cultural exchanges.
Preparation

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Final Preparation for Community Workshop - Review and refine your lesson plan for the community workshop. Conduct a mock session with peers to practice delivery and timing.	Day 2: Community Workshop Execution - Host the DJing workshop for local kids. Engage participants with interactive activities, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.	Day 3: Workshop Reflection and Feedback - Gather feedback from workshop participants and peers. Reflect on the workshop's success and areas for improvement.	Day 4: Exhibition Planning - Begin organizing the Open Turntables Exhibition Night. Plan the event flow, arrange equipment, and coordinate with peers for presentations.	Day 5: Personal Practice and Setlist Development - Dedicate time to refining your DJ set for the exhibition. Focus on track selection, transitions, and incorporating learned techniques.
Deliverables	1. Final Lesson Plan - A polished and executed lesson plan used for the community workshop, including feedback and reflections. 2. Workshop Feedback Report - A document compiling feedback from participants and peers, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. 3. Exhibition Plan - A detailed plan for the Open Turntables Exhibition Night, including event flow, equipment setup, and presentation coordination. 4. Exhibition Setlist - A curated setlist for your DJ performance at the exhibition, showcasing your skills and technique mastery.
Preparation

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Final Exhibition Preparation - Finalize all elements for the Open Turntables Exhibition Night. Ensure all equipment is ready, and rehearse your DJ set with peers for feedback.	Day 2: Marketing and Promotion - Develop promotional materials for the exhibition. Create flyers, social media posts, and invitations to ensure a good turnout.	Day 3: Exhibition Setup - Set up the venue for the exhibition. Coordinate equipment placement, lighting, and sound checks to ensure a seamless event.	Day 4: Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of the exhibition night, including all presentations and DJ sets. Make any last-minute adjustments based on rehearsal feedback.	Day 5: Open Turntables Exhibition Night - Host the exhibition, showcasing your skills and understanding of DJ culture. Engage with the audience, encourage participation, and gather feedback.
Deliverables	1. Exhibition Promotional Materials - Flyers, social media posts, and invitations created for promoting the exhibition. 2. Final DJ Set Recording - A recorded version of your final DJ set performed at the exhibition. 3. Exhibition Feedback and Reflection Report - A document compiling feedback from exhibition attendees and personal reflections on the event's success and areas for improvement.
Preparation