DOWNLOAD FREE BEATS & SAMPLES IN THE SCRATCH DJ TOOLKIT:
DOWNLOAD FREE BEATS & SAMPLES IN THE SCRATCH DJ TOOLKIT:
— DJ BALANCE
Go from newbie to party rockin’ turntablist without skipping a beat.
From classes and private DJ lessons, to books, tutorial videos and online DJ courses. I’ve taught thousands of people around the world how to rock the decks.
I even made history creating the first-ever DJ instructional video series with a comprehensive curriculum focused on equipment, mixing, scratching and beat juggling. (Back when VHS was a thing.)
I’ve taught for brands like The Grammy Foundation, Berklee College of Music, SAE, Hal Leonard, Scratch DJ Academy, Dubspot, Rane, Serato, BPM Supreme, and Beat Junkie Institute of Sound.
(Need more street cred? Peep my teaching bio.)
You get the kind of individual attention that DIY videos and ‘one-size-fits-all’ classes just can’t match:
Time to focus on YOU. Your goals, challenges, and successes. Your journey is unique — your lessons are too.
You choose your own adventure. We’ll focus on your style, your genres of music, and skills you want to learn.
Your private DJ lessons are super flexible so we can change direction at any time. Just say the word & we’ll flip the script.
Let’s cut through the noise and SAVE YOU TIME. No more trial and error, wondering if you’re on the right track.
I’ll show you the skills you need to know in the right sequence. Efficient yet thorough. No missing pieces.
Like steroids for your learning curve, I’ll give you a road map to reach your DJ goals—faster.
Practice with purpose and get results. I’ll show you strategic exercises that help build muscle memory, improve coordination and increase your speed.
I’ll share my cheat sheets, practice drills, and videos to help guide your practice sessions and help you remember what you’ve learned.
These tools will also help you to ‘find your flow’ as each technique becomes a part of you.
Nurture your confidence in safe space by rocking the 3 P’s with me:
Practice. Preparation. Performance.
You’ll learn to PRACTICE with purpose so that you know exactly what to do to get results.
PREPARE for any scenario so you’re never flying blind.
And sharpen those improv skills to take the stress out of your live PERFORMANCE.
You’ll get my full attention and personalized feedback. Everything we work on will be specific to you.
I’ll adapt to your pace and we’ll move as fast or slow as you need.
I’ll tailor each private DJ lesson to your specific learning style. A custom curriculum created for you in real time.
I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way as we celebrate all your wins.
I’ll give you homework to advance your progress and help to keep you focused.
And I’ll help you to stay inspired and hone a positive mindset to build even more momentum.
She’s saved my life EVERY night by teaching me the language of how to understand and execute mixing and scratching. She gave me the ability and skill set to express myself creatively and cohesively with abandon.
She gave me the tools, confidence, and inspiration to pursue my passion by teaching me how to beat match, beat juggle, scratch, and read a crowd.
Since I began working with Shortee, I‘ve created mixes of all genres, played corporate events, rocked residencies, and DJed in clubs all over the US.
— DJ BALANCE | @msdjbalance
Shortee was one of my instructors at Scratch DJ Academy back in 2005 ’til 2007. Intermediate scratching and beat juggling were the classes that she was teaching at the time.
I’ve been DJing for about 12 years now and ’til this day I apply the lessons that Shortee taught me.
Because of who she is as a person and instructor, I was inspired to become a DJ instructor and years later became one at the same school Shortee taught me.
I was able to pass on the knowledge that she taught me onto others. Basically what I’m saying is…
— DJ RELL | @djrell12 | MikiDz Show | djcity.com
Whether you want to focus on mixing, scratching, or beat juggling — or all of the above — you’re gonna need some intro info and basic skills. Stuff like…
From the fundamentals to super advanced trick mixing — Get creative, get noticed and raise your value by learning how to…
Welcome to the art of scratching! Get ready to wow the faces off your fans when they see you shredding the cuts. Step up your DJ game and flex your tablist skills by learning how to…
Ready to kick it up a notch with trick mixing? Or create a routine to show off your shiny new skills? No probs! I’ll show you how to…
Ever wonder if what you’re doing is working? Feel stuck doing the same stuff over and over? Struggle performing in front of others? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ll show you how to…
Got questions? Peep the FAQ for more info!
I was just starting to learn to scratch and felt a bit intimidated but she’s so sweet and approachable, it’s impossible to be nervous around her!
Something she taught me that really made a difference was how to structure my practice sessions.
I had trouble practicing on my own. I’d get stuck doing the same patterns and I felt like I was stumbling around in the dark, wondering, “Is this doing anything?”
Plus ideas on how to swing them and get funky! When I’ve got something down, she steps me up to a faster tempo.
Whenever I’m staring at my turntables and feel stuck, I just start with one of Shortee’s simple drills. I loosen up, something else takes over, and I start to flow!
I feel I can reach out to her any time with a question and she’ll answer me. She’s super inspiring too! I love her positivity and support to all female DJ’s!
— DJ RYTOAST | djrytoast.com
Want to peep my street cred? Here’s my teaching bio, written in 3rd person — so it doesn’t sound all boasty.
Described as the “World’s Premier Female DJ” by The Grammy Foundation, SHORTEE is a multi-genre DJ, Turntablist, Producer, Record Label Owner, Teacher, Actor, and Published Author.
Honored as “Queen of the Scratch World” by DJ Times, she’s recognized as one of the most diverse and technically skilled female DJs in the world.
Rolling Stone distinguishes her among the “fader-flipping elite,” adding that “her creativity and prowess on the wheels are consistently mind-boggling.”
Shortee’s a veteran globetrotter with well over two decades of DJ experience in a wide range of genres. She’s rocked everything from massive festivals and underground raves, to the hottest nightclubs and red-carpet celebrity events.
Her unique contribution to the art of turntablism earned her a spot as the only female DJ featured in the critically acclaimed documentary Scratch.
Teaching her first DJ student in ’97, Shortee produced the first-ever DJ instructional video series in ’99 with a comprehensive curriculum teaching equipment, mixing, scratching and beat juggling. – Shortee’s DJ 101, DJ 202 and Turntable Tune Up.
She’s taught private DJ lessons, classes, workshops, and online tutorials for the Grammy Foundation, Beat Junkie Inst. of Sound, Scratch DJ Academy, SAE, Dubspot, Sprite, Frito-Lay, Turntable U, Rane, Serato, Numark, Interscope, and Berklee College of Music.
Shortee’s book, Spin Now! The DJ Starter Handbook (Hal Leonard Publishing), is a favorite among thousands of aspiring and pro DJs who’ve devoured it in paperback and kindle editions.
She’s also produced Shortee’s Complete DJ Method, a series of 20+ online DJ courses published by Hal Leonard Co., available on Groove3.
Shortee travels the world DJing and teaching. Back in LA, you’ll also find her acting, writing and producing, along with running indie label Heavy Artillery Recordings with partner and husband DJ Faust.
To learn more about Shortee’s career as an multi-passionate creative, peep her full ARTIST BIO on DJShortee.com.
Her skill, work ethic, and love for deejaying is extraordinary. She’s one of a kind.
Her love for teaching and ability to explain the art is absolutely inspiring. Whether she’s teaching, rocking a crowd, or scratching, you’ll never get anything less than perfect.
— DJ ANNALYZE | djannalyze.net
She makes her curriculum accessible by chunking concepts into understandable learning blocks and embedding time for you to explore, grapple with, and apply your learning.
An impressive aspect of Shortee’s capacity as a teacher is her ability to give you individual, immediate feedback that helps to guide you towards long-lasting success.
Shortee builds an authentic, meaningful relationship with you. She creates a learning environment where you truly believe that you’re capable of success. And she celebrates your growth as if it were her own.
The best thing about Shortee is her heart and how she so easily makes you feel welcomed, remembered, valued and important. When you step into one of her classes, you immediately know you belong.
— DJ PUFFS | @djpuffs
Shortee was my beat juggling instructor back in 2006 at Scratch Academy, and to this day, she’s still the best music teacher I’ve ever had. (And I’ve had a lot!)
Shortee’s teaching style is clear and engaging. And her lessons are comprehensive and meticulously planned. On top of that, Shortee is fun, positive, and encouraging: if you’re her student, then she’s your biggest cheerleader.
It’s no surprise that Shortee propels her students to success, and I count myself lucky to have been one of them.
— DJ STEP 1 | djstep1.com | sequenceone.org
I’d taught myself how to mix, but I couldn’t get scratching right. I was on the verge of quitting DJing because I couldn’t seem to learn a skill I considered necessary for a hip-hop DJ to have.
Fortunately I met Shortee and got a few lessons to fix my technique—the same foundational stuff she teaches today.
20+ years later, I’m still DJing. And I still reflect on Shortee’s lessons. They were the building blocks I needed to get where I wanted to go. From the fundamentals to the advanced stuff.
She gives clear blueprints on how to build your skills. And she’s very helpful with troubleshooting so you can fix what’s gone wrong.
If you’re lucky enough to work with her, you’re going to get incredible instruction and care!
— DJ ENKI | djenki.com
If you have Qs that aren’t answered below, feel free to email support@djshortee.com for more info.
You can peep the current prices and package deals for online private DJ lessons HERE.
Yes! And bonus: you’ll save some dough! You can peep the current package deals for online private DJ lessons HERE.
The amount of DJ lessons you’ll need is relative based on many factors. Things like your current skill level, past DJ experience, unique learning style, and what DJ skills you want to learn.
You can pay with credit card, check or PayPal.
All payments are accepted via PayPal on the online scheduling page HERE. (You don’t have to have a PayPal account to use it.)
You can also schedule your private DJ lessons at your convenience on the SCHEDULE PAGE. (Scheduling available in your time zone.)
If you’ve purchased a package of online DJ lessons, you’ll be provided with a special code and also a complimentary private scheduling link. This will appear on your receipt after purchasing so you can then schedule your private DJ lessons with your package.
You can schedule your private DJ lessons at your convenience on the SCHEDULE PAGE. (Scheduling available in your time zone.)
If you’ve purchased a package of online DJ lessons, you’ll be provided with a special scheduling link on your receipt to schedule your DJ lessons with your package.
You’ll also be provided with a unique code for your package which can be found on your receipt at the time of purchase.
You can use this code to schedule your private DJ lessons on the website’s public SCHEDULE PAGE.
Look for the button that says “Redeem Coupon” and click it to enter your unique package code.
Once you hit “Apply” your total should now show that your session is free (since you’ve already paid) and you should be able to continue booking your date + time for your DJ lesson.
Yes! You can score a sweet discount when you buy your DJ lessons in bulk. You can peep the current package deals HERE.
Yes! You can opt for the “Single Sesh” option allowing you to “pay-as-you-go” with one lesson at a time, at your convenience.
You can schedule your online private DJ lessons one by one (or) all at once, it’s your choice. I can also schedule your next DJ lesson during the previous lesson, if you prefer.
After you purchase your package of DJ lessons, you’re free to schedule your private DJ lessons at your convenience within 6 months of the time of purchase. (Lessons expire after 180 days, please see the booking policies for full info.)
When you purchase your package of DJ lessons, you’ll be provided with a special scheduling link on your receipt to schedule you lessons with your package.
You’ll also be provided with a unique code for your package which can be found on your receipt at the time of purchase. You can use this code to schedule your DJ lessons on the website’s public SCHEDULE PAGE.
Look for the button that says “Redeem Coupon” and once you click that, please enter your unique package code.
Once you hit “Apply” your total should now show that your session is ‘free’ (since you’ve already paid) and you should be able to continue booking your date + time for your private DJ lesson.
You must cancel at least 48 hours before the private DJ lesson is scheduled to begin to allow for rescheduling.
No-shows and cancellations within 48 hours of the lesson start time will be considered completed considered completed and counted as part of your allotted DJ lessons.
All private DJ lessons must be scheduled and completed within 6 months of purchase. This is a service-based business with no refunds. All sales are final. Please see the booking policies for full info.
Expiration Policy:
All private DJ lessons and packages expire after 180 days of the time of purchase. Your DJ lessons must be scheduled by the client and completed within 6 months of the time of purchase. Please see the booking policies for full info.
You can easily cancel and reschedule your individual DJ lessons at your convenience by using the cancel/reschedule link that you receive in your schedule confirmation email receipt.
You must cancel at least 48 hours before the DJ lesson is scheduled to begin.
Please be advised that all sales are final. This is a service-based business with no refunds.
If you have an emergency and need to cancel within 48 hours before your DJ lesson time, please email me directly to let me know the details.
Depending on the circumstances and your history of attendance, I may choose to allow you to keep the credit and reschedule.
However, I reserve the right to treat any DJ lesson that you miss or attempt to cancel less than 48 hours before it is scheduled to begin as part of the allotted DJ lessons. Please see the booking policies for full info.
These terms (and more) are also described in your Coaching Agreement that you can view and “sign” (by checking a box) when you schedule each private DJ lesson.
Please be advised that all sales are final. This is a service-based business with no refunds.
However, you can cancel and reschedule your individual DJ lessons at your convenience by using the link that you receive in your schedule confirmation email receipt.
You must cancel at least 48 hours before the private DJ lesson is scheduled to begin to keep your lesson “credit” so that you can reschedule the lesson at a later date. Please see the booking policies for full info.
These terms (and more) are also described in your Coaching Agreement that you can view and “sign” (by checking a box) when you schedule each lesson.
All online private DJ lessons and packages expire after 180 days of the time of purchase. Private DJ lessons must be scheduled by the client and completed within 6 months of the time of purchase. Please see the booking policies for full info.
No experience is needed for your private DJ lessons! All skill levels welcome… even those with ‘no DJ skills’. I got you! ;0)
We can meet for your DJ lessons as often as you like. It’s totally up to you.
Depending on your goals, I typically recommend doing a private DJ lesson once a week to get the best possible results.
Once every two weeks works okay too. Especially if you get busy &/or prefer a little more time to work on the material.
Just be aware that once you go beyond 2 weeks, your progress may slow considerably and you might also have a harder time staying accountable.
You can schedule private DJ lessons at your convenience on the SCHEDULE PAGE. (Scheduling available in your time zone.)
Yes…or at least access to DJ gear that you can use during your lesson and also to practice with regularly.
As long as you have some sort of DJ hardware that offers platters/jog wheels and a mixer you should be good to go. (Turntables, CDJs, Digital Decks, All-In-One DJ Controllers etc.)
And if you want to scratch or beat juggle, just make sure your mixer’s crossfader has a curve adjustment that offers a sharp cut. If you don’t yet know what a fader curve adjustment is, don’t worry, I’ll teach you all about it in your first private DJ lesson. =0)
Yes! You don’t have to have the same brand or type of DJ gear as I do.
I can teach you the practical skills on turntables, CDJs, mixers or controllers running with (or without) software that’s controlled by DJ hardware.
As long as you have DJ hardware to practice on that has platters/jog wheels and a mixer you should be good to go.
And if you want to scratch or beat juggle, just make sure your mixer’s crossfader has a curve adjustment that offers a sharp cut.
*PLEASE NOTE: I do specialize in Serato, but the practical skills aren’t software specific. Same goes for library management and coding your music. All the DJ software essentially does the same thing when it comes to DJing.
So, for example, if you’re a Traktor user, I can def still teach you how to mix, scratch and beat juggle as long as you are using a controller with jog wheels or a DVS (digital vinyl system) with CDJs or Turntables.
However, if you’re not a Serato user and need to learn every feature and function of your ‘other’ DJ software itself (i.e. Traktor, Rekordbox, Virtual DJ etc), then I would suggest training with an instructor who specializes in that software platform.
Same goes for additional features of your software that isn’t offered in Serato, such as Traktor’s ‘Stem Decks’ and ‘Remix Decks’.
While I do have experience teaching & working with past versions of Traktor and Rekordbox, I’m not an expert in the new versions of those programs and I no longer keep up with their added features.
That said, if you want to learn all the nitty, gritty, nerdy features of Serato DJ Pro, I’m your gal!
I’ve taught loads of physical and virtual lessons over the last 25 years and while it’s nice to be physically together, the benefits of virtual lessons outweigh the benefits of in-person.
With virtual, your entire session is recorded with multiple cameras, transcribed via text and delivered to you within hours of your lesson. You get all the audio, video and text files so you can review the entire sesh on-demand, as many times as you like
No need to take notes either! Recording every second allows you to focus 100% on the live experience, rather than worrying that you might forget all the gold nuggets we’ve covered.
The recordings also include your custom practice drills we perform live so that you can practice with me ANY time… and as many times as you need!
With virtual, you get the custom 1-on-1 advice and feedback you crave from a private lesson paired with the benefits of everything being recorded.
Virtual lessons are also more convenient + save you time and money: You don’t have to fly to LA or pay for gas just to sit for hours in LA traffic to get to my studio. Instead, you get to use your own DJ gear in the comfort of your own home. (You don’t even have to wear public-facing pants. Always a win in my book.)
And don’t worry about not being able to see me or my gear clearly. My pro streaming studio is well-lit and features FOUR high-quality cameras so you can see every angle with the option to zoom in way more than IRL.
Still unsure if virtual lessons are for you? Then consider trying out a single sesh just to see if it’s a good fit. Worst case scenario, you’ll still learn a ton + get some great personalized feedback and advice. 😉
Yup! Unless you don’t want to see any progress… But I’m guessing that’s not the case, am I right?
Don’t worry, I can help you to learn to practice with purpose.
I’ve got a few tricks to help you create a practice habit and stay accountable. I also give you tools to help guide your practice, when needed.
And I always assign intentional homework to help you practice deliberately and stay on track throughout the week….
No, these private DJ lessons are exclusively 1-on-1 so that you get the best possible chance to learn without distraction or “sharing” your time.
Yes! I occasionally offer group DJ classes online via ZOOM. Sign up for my mailing list to stay in the loop! (Bonus: You’ll also score the FREE Scratch DJ Toolkit!)
People also hire me to teach guest DJ classes and DJ workshops around the world. Places like Berklee College of Music, the Grammy Foundation and the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. I also occasionally tour teaching DJ product demos for Rane and Serato.
If you would like to book me to teach a group DJ class or workshop, or would like more info on group DJ classes online via ZOOM, please email me at shortee@djshortee.com.
No. I don’t teach how to DJ on mobile phones, tablets and ‘software-only’ DJing on virtual decks (without DJ hardware).
I only teach private DJ lessons using actual DJ hardware with (& without) DJ software: Turntables, Mixers, CDJs, Digital Decks and DJ Controllers are all good to go.
Nope! You don’t have to have turntables to learn to scratch or beat juggle.
I can teach you the practical DJ skills on turntables, CDJs, mixers, digital decks or controllers.
As long as you have DJ hardware that features jog wheels and a mixer with a decent crossfader you should be good to go.
Just make sure your crossfader has a curve adjustment that offers a sharp cut. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry — I’ll teach you in your first private DJ lesson. ;0)
Not at all! You can learn to scratch without learning how to mix.
Not everyone wants to be a DJ who rocks parties. I get it.
Some aspiring turntablists just want to become scratch musicians. You don’t need to know how to beat match or mix for that ;0)
Just say the word! I’ll bring them to the ZOOM pawty to meet ya on-screen. =^..^=
She breaks the movements down into simple steps. And creates worksheets for you that are really helpful to visualize the various patterns of scratches.
I met Shortee as an instructor at the first Sip N’ Scratch event, hosted by the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound.
I was so inspired after the event that I purchased my own set of turntables.
I also used Shortee’s online videos to learn how all the equipment connects together. As a woman, it’s empowering to meet and learn from DJ Shortee.
— SHANINA ROSS | @shaninaross
You can tell immediately upon meeting her that she was born to teach. She’s extremely patient and anticipatory. I’ve found that she solves my problems before I even encounter them!
She takes any issue you have — regardless of your operating system or DJ software or hardware preference — and helps you to navigate through whatever obstacles you may have, quickly and easily.
She always makes herself available to help and is genuinely happy to do so. I would recommend Shortee to anyone, regardless of skill level.
She’s the best!
— BRYNN TAYLOR | brynntaylor.com
From mixing one song to the next, beat matching and scratching — I can definitely say I was taught by the best. She was one of my very first instructors when I started DJing.
In addition to skills, Shortee’s given me insight about the business and tips to come up as a female DJ in the industry. She’s a very honest, encouraging, fun teacher and person.
She’s had an extremely positive and empowering influence on me as a DJ, musician and as a woman in the DJ world too!
— DJ DIVINE LIGHT | @djdivinelight
I’m super stoked to rock with ya on the 1s and 2s! See ya soon!
From the fundamentals to super advanced trick mixing — Get creative, get noticed and raise your value by learning how to…
Welcome to the art of scratching! Get ready to wow the faces off your fans when they see you shredding the cuts. Step up your DJ game, flex your tablist skills and scratch like a badass by learning how to…
*Progress is gained through practice and repetition. The more you practice, the faster you’ll progress and the more techniques you’ll be able to learn.
Ready to kick it up a notch with trick mixing? Or create a routine to show off your shiny new skills? No probs! I’ll show you how to…
You know you need to practice to get better. (Duh!?) But how exactly do you do that?
Ever feel lost, like you’re just going through the motions, wondering if what you’re doing is even working? Or you just feel stuck in a rut, like you’re doing the same techniques over and over?
Maybe you’re spending hours on the decks but you’re not seeing the progress you hoped for? Or you practice your butt off, only for your mind to go blank when you’re performing in front of others?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ll show you how to….
