text: This question is miscategorized. \n\nSpecial Education is about the education and parenting of children with special needs.\n\nThat being said...\n\nTo be a DJ in the United States, your doorway in is through practical experience. To get the practical experience, you need to try to get hired at a small station somewhere (small town or very low in the ratings in a city). You will need to apply at many stations to increase your odds of being hired. The other choice is to go to college, major in communications, and work at the college station. \n\nIf you are still in high school, take drama class and/or club, communications, technology class (you have GOT to get to know the equipment), and any video production class or club. Often, if you are in a small town, these teachers will either know people in radio, or BE people "moonlighting" at a local station (you won't know, neccessarily, because an on-air persona often has a different name and "sound" from the real person). Their word to the program director/general manager can get you in the door...but you must EARN that word... work hard in class and listen closely to what they have to teach.\n\nAs you look at these steps, keep in mind that a DJ is an entertainer, just like a musician, actor, or stand-up comedian. When you are auditioning for a station, you must show HOW you will keep your audience entertained and listening, while keeping the station's "feel" and "format" consistent. Regardless of the format you are interested in, be able to announce other kinds of music, anything from classical to rap, jazz to country.\n\n1. Create a "demo tape." Use the best quality equipment you can find, and tape yourself in a carpeted area to reduce "echo." You should make sure you're performance is strong enough to get their attention from the beginning (what is the most energetic personality you can show?). Give a short and direct introduction to a song, an in-depth introduction to a song, give the weather, read news copy (using the first, short paragraph from a newspaper article is ok for an audition), do a "commercial" for something, "interview" someone from the audience, etc. Each bit should not be longer than 30 seconds. The program director will probably not listen to all of it, but should get a feel for what you are currently able to do, how your voice sounds, etc.\n\nIf you are applying at several different stations, with different music formats, you should have a different tape for each format, to match the station style. \n\n2. Create a paper insert to go with your tape, that will keep the attention of the program director and make him/her curious enough to actually listen to your tape rather than toss it in the garbage. It should be simple and direct, show your personality (or personalities if you can do more than one), and be professional-quality.\n\n3. On your resume, given that you have no prior DJ experience, you want to show professionalism, creativity, and an understanding of both music and of how to work in front of an audience. Make sure, for references, to have respectable, working adults who can vouch for yor reliability (will you show up to work on time, do the best you can, etc.) and who know something about your knowledge of music. Once again, you want to appear both professional, and someone who stands out (in a positive way) from the crowd.\n\n4. Do NOT mail your demos. Hand-carry your demo to each station. Be well-dressed, and ensure that what you are wearing subtly reflects the format of the station (suit or dress for classical, casual Friday but with a jacket for alternative/soft, casual Friday with a Western touch for country, etc.). Ask to speak to the program director, and be prepared to WAIT for him/her in the front office. They WILL keep you waiting. If they ask you to come back, ask for an appointment. If you are stood up, ask for another one... You must show patience