Tips for a teenager who would like to get into mobile DJing

[DJ Maxed]

I am a 15 year old teenager with a small setup. I have all the basic necessities to do DJing: Controller (getting mixers and turntables is too much for my budget), headphones, dj/speak connection jack, computer, some decent speakers, laptop stand (not sure if I really need this, but it is a nice addition). I also have a ADJ strobe light that I got for $20. Any suggestions about what else I should get in terms of lighting, sound, maybe even DJ equipment? Bear in mind, I have $50 extra to spare. I'm not sure if that will buy a whole lot.
Also, should I first start doing some friend party gigs? Maybe just jump right into putting up fliers? I've heard many different tried and true routes, but I'm posting this up here so that the community itself can make suggestions to people in a similar situation as myself.
Also, if you have any tips for me in general, please post them! I have a few mixes already on soundcloud if you would like to critique my mixing. Look for my June and/or July 2012 mixes (both uploaded by DJ Maxed).

[JackStalk]

Id get a microphone. You can pick up a used shure sm58 or a nice sennheiser for $50 shipped on eBay. Most of all, practice practice practice!

[broshades]

by decent speakers, what do you mean?

[Schreiber]

by decent speakers, what do you mean?

Also, I listened to your mix on soundcloud. It's not god awful, but you have a long way to go before you should ever do anything remotely "professional". Sure, doing parties for your friends would be acceptable. I wouldn't do something for anyone you don't know, or anything paid, honestly. I'm going to guess you're using Virtual DJ le by listening to the mix. STOP USING THE FLANGER & BEAT GRID EFFECT!!! Sure, it sounds alright if you use it sparingly. But you can't drown your mix in them. I realize those are the only two effects that are useful in le, but either buy the full version, or deal with using them much less. It sounds terrible.

What I'd suggest doing is the same thing I did-just continue practicing & DJing for friend's parties when the opportunity arises. About 85% of my practice times came from these parties. Not only do you get experience mixing, it also gives you a feel for what people around your area like & you can use that for when you get into bigger gigs. I only did smaller parties for about half a year, within the year though, people at those parties noticed I was getting significantly better. By the end of the year, I'd had quite a few really big gigs. last one I did was around 700-750 people.

Basically-You're not good enough to go out & start charging people. Practice at home & with friend's parties & continue to grow.

[DJ Maxed]

Also, I listened to your mix on soundcloud. It's not god awful, but you have a long way to go before you should ever do anything remotely "professional". Sure, doing parties for your friends would be acceptable. I wouldn't do something for anyone you don't know, or anything paid, honestly. I'm going to guess you're using Virtual DJ le by listening to the mix. STOP USING THE FLANGER & BEAT GRID EFFECT!!! Sure, it sounds alright if you use it sparingly. But you can't drown your mix in them. I realize those are the only two effects that are useful in le, but either buy the full version, or deal with using them much less. It sounds terrible.

What I'd suggest doing is the same thing I did-just continue practicing & DJing for friend's parties when the opportunity arises. About 85% of my practice times came from these parties. Not only do you get experience mixing, it also gives you a feel for what people around your area like & you can use that for when you get into bigger gigs. I only did smaller parties for about half a year, within the year though, people at those parties noticed I was getting significantly better. By the end of the year, I'd had quite a few really big gigs. last one I did was around 700-750 people.

Basically-You're not good enough to go out & start charging people. Practice at home & with friend's parties & continue to grow.

Ok, thanks for the advice. I only have 4 effects on my mixer, so I always have the urge to use them. Thanks for letting me know to keep them in check!

[DJ Maxed]

Actually, I probably should've said monitors. I really don't have any speakers I've been thinking of looking around on craigslist or perhaps a salvation army store to see if they have anything.

[Sween]

Actually, I probably should've said monitors. I really don't have any speakers I've been thinking of looking around on craigslist or perhaps a salvation army store to see if they have anything.

You are not going to find 'decent' speakers at a Salvation Army store...

You are going to have to make a real investment if you are interested in doing this for money. Several thousand dollars.

[DYM]

Sween speaks wisdom... $$$$$$$$$$

[Robdogg]

I started out around 15 as well. The best thing I ever did was parties with friends and rented gear, just get everyone to pool up money and get what you can. Nothing like time in front of a crowd to get better and nothing is better than the honesty of friends to learn from miscues and mistakes.

[mrkleen]

Best thing you can do as a young DJ is find a professional who is looking for a roadie and then ask him to help out. Carrying his gear, standing next to him while he is working, taking requests while he is mixing, even getting involved in helping with the prep work before gigs - will all be invaluable in the long run.

By reading books and web boards like this - and a lot of practice, you will eventually get better and more confident. But there is no substitute for helping a real pro do his thing.