Disc Jockey

• operate lighting and visual effects in time to the beat
• create your own sounds by manipulating beats, using samples, adding extra music and sound effects
• play and mix records in clubs or bars, to create atmosphere or keep people dancing
• choose music to suit your audience’s taste and the venue’s music policy
• work with an MC who raps or sings over the music.

Radio DJ or presenter:

• keep to a very tight timing schedule
• interview studio guests
• operate studio equipment to play music, pre-recorded news, jingles and advertisements (known as ‘driving the desk’)
• choose the music to be played
• keep up an entertaining and natural flow of chat
• interact with the audience through phone-ins, emails, texts and social media
• discuss ideas with the producer, write scripts and prepare playlists for future shows.

Many music radio DJs also perform live as club DJs.

As a mobile DJ you would provide music and atmosphere at social events such as weddings and parties. You would take your own equipment and music to each venue you played at.