LEARN TO DJ.
FIND YOUR SOUND.
A hands-on introduction to DJing with DJ Kels. Learn the fundamentals, practice your skills, and build confidence behind the decks.
sunday Series $200
Full Course
Four 90-minute classes
Build your skills step by step.
Dates:
November 1st, 8th and 15th
December 6th
Time: 2PM - 3:30PM
Option to make up 1 missed class on Thursday December 3rd
THURSDAY SERIES $50
Intro Session
One 90-minute class
Try the fundamentals hands-on.
Date Options:
November 12th
December 10th
Time: 6:30PM - 8PM
LOCATION: 670 N. Russell Street Portland, OR 97227
FROM YOUR FIRST MIX TO YOUR OWN STYLE
Master the basics
Equipment, beat matching, timing and transitions.
Develop your sound
Song selection, EQ, set building and confidence.
Crowd Reading
Explore how DJs think about musical flow and energy
Learn by doing
Practice with provided DJ equipment
Connect through music
Meet fellow creatives and put your new skills to work.
Confidence and Practice
Build familiarity with the decks, practice and begin developing your own style.
who this class is for
NEVER TOUCHED A DJ CONTROLLER? PERFECT.
DJ 101 is designed for people who are curious about DJing and ready to learn the fundamentals in a supportive, hands-on environment.
This class is for you if:
You've always wanted to learn how to DJ.
You're starting from zero.
You have equipment but aren't sure where to begin.
You want to understand the fundamentals before investing in more gear.
You learn best by practicing, experimenting, and asking questions.
You don't need prior DJ experience to get started.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR: DJ Kels.
Learn from experience. Build your own sound.
Kelly “DJ Kels” Brown is a Chicago-born, Portland-based DJ, music producer, and performer with 19 years of DJ experience.
Her career spans sports, entertainment, and culture, including work as an official DJ for the WNBA and NBA, performances at major arenas, and opening for legendary artists including Mary J. Blige and Nas.
Trained in DJing and Ableton music production(NYC, Chicago, Indianapolis), DJ Kels brings professional experience, creativity, and a passion for mentorship to the classroom.
Her mission is to make DJ education approachable, hands-on, and inspiring for the next generation of music creatives.
19 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE · PROFESSIONAL DJ · MUSIC PRODUCER · EDUCATOR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Small-group instruction
Personal guidance in a group of up to 10 students.
Student workPAGE
A DJ Passport/workpage to track skills and progress.
DJ equipment
DJ Controllers and Serato access during class,
Certificate
A certificate of completion.
FAQ
Do I need DJ experience? No, Beginners are encouraged
Is DJ equipment provided? Yes
Do I need to bring a laptop or headphones? No. If you want to use your own, feel free to bring them with you to class.
What is the difference between the Full Course and the Intro Session?
Full Course: 4 Classes, 90 minutes each
DJ EQUIPMENT Understand the controller, mixer, decks, headphones, and essential DJ setup.
BEAT MATCHING Learn the fundamentals of getting two songs to work together.
COUNTING & TIMING Understand beats, bars, phrases, and when to make your move.
CROWD READING Learn how a DJ reads the crowd to have a successful DJ Set.
TRANSITIONS Learn beginner-friendly ways to move from one song into another.
EQ & MIXER BASICS Learn how to use your mixer to create clean transitions.
SONG SELECTION Understand what makes two songs work together.
BUILDING A SET Learn how DJs think about creating a beginning, middle, and flow.
DJ CONFIDENCE Get comfortable behind the decks and start developing your own style.
TROUBLESHOOT Learn how to troubleshoot quickly during technical and audio issues.
NETWORK Network with DJ’s, music lovers and creatives in the Portland Community.
SERATO Learn have to navigate Serato and organize crates.
DJ SHOWCASE Put your new skills into practice.
Q&A Question and Answer Session with DJ Kels.
Intro Session: 1 Class, 90 minutes
DJ EQUIPMENT Understand the controller, mixer, decks, headphones, and essential DJ setup.
BEAT MATCHING Learn the fundamentals of getting two songs to work together.
CROWD READING Learn how a DJ reads the crowd to have a successful DJ Set.
TRANSITIONS Learn beginner-friendly ways to move from one song into another.
DJ CONFIDENCE Test out the equipment and understand the importance of practice.
NETWORK Network with DJ’s, music lovers and creatives in the Portland Community.
Q&A Question and Answer Session with DJ Kels.
Where are classes held? 670 N. Russell Street Portland, OR 97227
How many students are in each class? Up to 10
Is the class suitable for teens or children? Yes
What is the refund policy? Refunds are not available for unattended classes. For the Sunday Series if a class is missed, a make up class can be discussed for future scheduled sessions.
What will I be able to do after completing DJ 101? Completing DJ 101 is the beginning of your DJ journey. You'll leave with a foundational understanding of DJ equipment, mixing techniques, beat matching, and music selection, along with practical experience to help you continue learning.
You'll have a clearer idea of what to practice, how to strengthen your skills, and where to go next as you develop your own style behind the decks. Your journey doesn't end here. It's where your sound begins. Keep practicing. Stay curious. Trust your ear. Your next chapter starts behind the decks. DJ 102 and Other Courses will be offered in 2027.
sunday Series $200
Full Course
Four 90-minute classes
Build your skills step by step.
Dates:
November 1st, 8th and 15th
December 6th
Time: 2PM - 3:30PM
Option to make up 1 missed class on Thursday December 3rd
THURSDAY SERIES $50
Intro Session
One 90-minute class
Try the fundamentals hands-on.
Date Options:
November 12th
December 10th
Time: 6:30PM - 8PM
LOCATION: 670 N. Russell Street Portland, OR 97227