New Dubai school trains youngsters to be DJs
▶ David Dunn finds out more about new school Original Mix DJs, which gets youngsters on the decks
Radio presenter Ana Schofield may have a long and award-winning career on air, but she admits she always wanted to be a superstar DJ. “I’ve often been called a DJ, but I would correct people and tell them I was a radio host,” says the co-presenter of Yalla Home, the drive-time show on Sharjah’s Pulse 95 Radio. “I wanted to be a DJ, but there was no clear access to it … It was simply a case of learn in your bedroom with equipment you didn’t know how to use.”
Now, Schofield, who is also an international voice-over artist, has found a way to scratch her creative itch vicariously, as co-founder of a professional DJ school for children in Dubai Studio City.
Each Saturday, Original Mix DJs, in partnership with Adam Long of Sole Agency, trains youngsters between the ages of 7 and 15 – and possibly adults in the future, too – to become proficient club-level DJs for a potential career in the business.
“It’s an ‘I wish’ situation,” says Schofield, a mother of two. “I couldn’t, but I thought let’s create a platform so other kids can [attend] professionally taught classes to show the next generation how it’s done. DJs are the new rock stars, and it’s incredibly creative when done properly”.
And it can lead to incredible success, too, as megastar Calvin Harris, and Original Mix DJs ambassador Colin Francis, will testify. Francis has nine No 1 albums, is a record label owner and has produced for other artists. He, alongside fellow British DJ ambassador Mark Hill, who was one half of UK garage duo Artful Dodger, will run masterclasses for the school this summer.
Schofield says Original Mix DJs is the first school of its kind in the UAE, and it swiftly attracted 18 pupils to its inaugural 10-week programme (which cost Dh1,750) in February, at Studio One Hotel. International DJs Sara G and Blaise, who live in Dubai and have recently released a single, provide the coaching.
“We started gently, no advertising, no real marketing, launched on Instagram, a few of the main expat websites and tested the waters. The response was phenomenal,” says Schofield.
“There’s a curriculum and certificates; we go from switching on your Pioneer decks to establishing your music genre choice to being able to mix a set properly.”
That’s the kind of education Schofield says could lead to a career for graduates who seek it. “The UAE is one of the most glamorous tourist destinations in the world, so there’s an amazing platform for it here.
“Incredible hotels, restaurants, venues … all of these supply the party world and vibe that surrounds this beautiful region. DJs are magical and creative, can change the mood and emotion of situations in a second, influence thousands of people. They can make or break a party or event.”
Francis and Hill, who have won Ivor Novello songwriting awards and racked up millions of album sales, both taught themselves DJing skills at home before hitting the club circuit. “The fulfilment after playing to a huge crowd and seeing their hands in the air, singing, letting out screams of euphoria, is one of the best
feelings you can have as a DJ,” says Francis.
“However, personality, individual style and passion is your unique selling point, and something like Original Mix DJs is very integral in guiding and helping the next generation of DJs and producers to develop that. I have worked hard and been honest to my craft … I am truly grateful for how far my chosen path has taken me.”
Hill, who co-wrote and co-produced Dubai regular Craig David’s hit debut album Born to Do It, says he is surprised by the extent of his own success, but believed from a relatively young age that he should put time and effort into something he was passionate about.
“It was hard work and long hours, but it never felt like it wasn’t going to be worthwhile, and I enjoyed every minute, which made it easier to commit the time needed to make a career out of it,” he says.
“People who are committed to going that extra mile, pushing themselves, will always have an advantage over those who want an easy route to success. Committing to being a part of something like Original Mix DJs will show that level of commitment to learning the craft.
“I was always focused on pushing the boundaries and trying new things and being the best I could be … I believed I was creating something unique and that drove me forward, which ultimately led to having a long career.”
DJs are magical and creative, and can change the mood and emotion of situations in a second ANA SCHOFIELD
Radio presenter