DJ Practice Techniques: Why Practice Makes Practice
This summer I had some amazing gigs. Nerves? Naturally, you can’t get away from them. But once I got into flow, the experience was manageable, maybe even easy.
Then I went to the DJ Battle hosted by the Faded Society in London. Five-minute sets. Ridiculous speed. Techniques so sharp they sliced the air. And just like that, my confidence osiclated back down to ‘incompetent”. Watching those DJs reset the bar — it threw me back into beginner mode. From feeling smooth and competent, I was suddenly reminded how much more there is to learn.
That swing between competence and incompetence is at the heart of growth. It’s why I say:
Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes practice.
Why “Perfect” Is the Wrong Goal
The old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” But in DJing, do we really want perfect?
A “perfect” set risks being predictable, even boring. The crowd doesn’t want Spotify with hands. They want something alive — dynamic, cheeky, spontaneous, and authentic.
The problem with aiming for perfect is it suggests an end point, like you can somehow complete music. But sound is malleable, context always shifts, and every crowd is different. There’s no finish line. Which is why DJ practice techniques aren’t about hitting perfection. They’re about building instincts, resilience, and adaptability.
Oscilating between competent and….not.
When you practice, you’ll find yourself oscillating between two states:
- Unconscious competence. The zone where your body just knows what to do. Your hands land perfectly, the transitions glide, the flow feels effortless.
- Conscious incompetence. That crash of awareness when you see what’s possible — a new technique, a faster cut, a slicker routine — and realize you’re not there yet.
Both states are essential. The first proves your practice is paying off. The second forces you to grow. Together, they keep you sharp.
Gigs, Production, and Streaming
- Live gigs test your nerves and adaptability. Once you’re locked in, the set flows, but every crowd keeps you honest.
- Producing is the toughest mental battle. One moment you’re a genius, the next you’re a fraud. But it’s personal, on your own time, which makes it easier to keep experimenting.
- Streaming is the middle ground. It’s public but forgiving. You can try new DJ practice techniques, drop unfinished ideas, and stretch your skillset while building muscle memory.
Practice Makes Practice
At the end of the day, we’re not chasing perfection. That’s what playlists are for.
We’re chasing authenticity, energy, and those magical moments that only happen live.
So keep practicing — not to get perfect, but to keep practicing. Because that’s the real skill of a DJ: turning every rep into preparation for the next.
Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes practice.
No Comments