Did I ever see myself as a turnabilist or even interested in turntables? No. Are circular objects now very appealing to me? Yes, ever since my first baby scratch, I've been trying to scratch anything in a circular form around me. Not just records, or cds, I'm talking dinner plates and frisbees. This was the best new years resolution I've followed up on: dropping the needle. Most of my dj friends back home are all digital house djs, so turntables are completely new. Most of dj'ing is completely new to me, so I took the intro class. The classes use the Serato Scratch Live software. I arrived early for class my first day, and was allowed to play around with the equipment. I was a rough start cause I had some issues figuring out the screen display, and I was stuck in the Gucci Mane bin for a good twenty minutes. Gucci Mane=worst southern rapper ever, it was distressing. The rest of the set up involves a state of the art mixer and two turntables. Then the skilled instructors took over, and we learned how to scratch, radio dj and beat match. I highly recommend classes with DJ As One. He kinda sounds like a grandfather dj (he's really young actually), with his stories of back in day. All about how they used to drag heavy crates and buy two copies of the same record to mix, and how us kids have it so much better these days with the software. I would recommend the classes to anyone interested in music. As a side note you have to walk through Bach 2 Rock (a music school to get here), be prepared to walk through hallways of high school rock bands complimenting each other on how they sound exactly like Fugazi (eye roll). read more

Beat Refinery DJ School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

I was in a rut. I needed something new to add a little spark to my life. So when I saw that Beat Refinery was opening on a local blog, I thought it could be just what I need to get out of my funk and get creative. Beat Refinery is a school within a school, located in Bach 2 Rock. They offer a 6 week courses in Intro to DJ for $375, and will have more advanced courses in the future. The classes meet weekly for a couple hours, and you can sign up for additional practice time at a first-come-first serve basis for free if you are taking a class. I had my first class last night, and let me tell you: if you love music and technology--this is something you should try. Each student gets their own DJ set up---which includes computer, turntables, mixer, headphones, and speaker. From what I am told, the equipment is top of the line. The whole class is built around learning Serato Scratch Live, the computer program that allows you to mix, scratch, and beat juggle with the best of them (if you have the skills). The computers are loaded with tunes, and you can also bring in your own music to suit and create you own style. Additionally, the teachers are pro's. My class is taught by DJ As-1 and DJ Stylus Chris, who were both very helpful and energetic in helping us newbies learn the basics. At the end of the 6 week course we are all expected to be able to do a 3-5 minute set and answer some basic questions about the DJ'ing So while I think I have a few song ideas up my sleeve---I still need to work on my DJ name....time to get to my homework. read more

Beat Refinery DJ School - Specialty Schools Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

As a working DJ in Baltimore, I am always striving to better my skills all the time. As such, when I heard about Beat Refinery, I was considering traveling up to New York City on a regular basis to link up with some extremely knowledgeable DJs at other schools. Beat Refinery was not only closer, but is organized and run by many of the same DJs I've been following for years. It became my top priority to enroll in classes and learn from the people I look up to. If the prices seem steep, shop around for other reputable DJ schools on the east coast and compare them. When you consider the staff that is teaching the classes and their collective experience, it is worth every penny. Then consider the group rate discounts and student rates that are offered, and it gets even better. Even with several years of club experience under my belt, I learned A LOT from DJ Geometrix and DJ AS-One in the first turntablism class offered at the school. What's more is that the atmosphere is very open to questions, and even allowing students who don't own their own equipment to come in and practice on the decks in the classroom. The instructors will give you back what you put into the class, and were available to answer my questions and offer guidance outside of class. I plan on moving closer to the school soon to become more involved in what is being offered to not only the students, but to the community. This includes hosting events and shows that bring both experienced and inexperienced DJs and audiences together to learn about the art of DJing and spread the knowledge of the music. read more

I've been a DJ for years, but I wanted to round out my skill sets and expand on my existing knowledge. I had a great time learning new techniques and tools from the BeatRefinery. The instructors are phenomenal DJs and class acts all around. Whether you've played for hundreds of people or haven't dropped the needle for the first time yet.. the BeatRefinery guys can certainly teach you something. Highly recommended. read more

I would recommend Beat Refinery to anyone who wants to become the next superstar DJ! I will be going back to take more classes in the near future. Thank you B2R for providing this service! read more

I was refunded for classes missed due to instructor no shows. I was not refunded for the gas, time and parking. I should have written an update sooner but I was busy. read more

Awesome time..went in to check out a class. 40 bucks to try out a session. The instructor was attentive. Class had 5 students. 40bucks for an hour worth of time. If you've never touched a turntable your first class would be spent learning the Serato program and getting used to the controls really. I'm not new to the dj world..however using turntables vs cdj vs a controller is very different. If you want to learn this is a great place to start read more

Worst experience ever. These people show up and open and close when they please. We paid for the monthly drop in and it was a complete rip-off. Our son took the metro over there at posted hours and not a soul could be found and then the explanations were inadequate. Very poorly managed. read more

This school is the best! Whether you are looking to learn a new craft or you just want to improve your own DJ skills, at Beat Refinery, you can do this AND have a lot of fun AND meet new people AND work with the BEST DJs in the area. The instructors are all super helpful, knowledgeable, skilled, and supportive, and you get lots of one-on-one time with them. They will also do what they can to help you get what you want out of the class, so in a large sense, you have a fair amount of control over what you end up learning. If you are a beginner, don't worry, all the equipment is provided AND you can come in between classes and practice in the DJ studio. Live in the city? No worries, the school is super close to the Bethesda metro stop. The classes may seem expensive, but considering that you never have to bring your own equipment and you get to learn from some pretty amazing people, you definitely get your money's worth! Honestly, once you try one class, you'll probably want to keep coming back and seeing what else they have to offer. :) Taking DJ classes from the Beat Refinery is definitely one of the best things I have ever done and I recommend it to anyone who's interested in DJing and loves music and wants to have fun and learn a few things in the process. :) read more

The DJ classes that Beat Refinery offers are a tremendous benefit to anyone in the Washington D.C. area looking to become a DJ or to brush up on their skills. They have the state-of-the art equipment and have some of the most Skilled instructors teaching. I highly reccomend taking any of their classes. The knowledge that the instructors have amoung themselves and are willing to share with you is priceless! Like the old saying goes, "if you want to excel at something, find someone who does it successfully and learn from them!" Look No Futher!!! This is the ONLY place within the D.C. Metro region to offer Introduction as well as advance DJ classes!!! --DJ 6'6 read more

This school is one of a kind in the DMV area. My friend started a few classes here and within 8 months was out of her old job and out in DC as a full-time DJ. If you want to learn a little or a lot about DJ'ing, producing, etc, this is the place. All the instructors are the best and most accomplished DJs in the DMV and many are known around the world. Whether you want to get connected with some serious people in the industry who can show you what it takes to become a professional DJ or just impress your friends by throwing kick-ass parties, Beat Refinery is where it's at. I've known lots of people who have taken classes here and they all love the place. I'm not surprised Beat Refinery has all 5 star reviews. read more