Mixing Equality
Free DJ lessons for non-male artists aged 16 to 25 in Plymouth. No experience needed. No cost.
Why we are doing this
Plymouth DJ line-ups are still overwhelmingly male. We see it from both sides. Our studios opened with a customer base that was 95% male.
That is not a talent problem. It is an access problem.
Learning to DJ properly costs money most young people do not have, and we are well aware of how scary it can be to enter the industry, due to past experiences heard from friends, idols and artists.
Who it is for
You can apply if you are:
- Aged 16 to 25
- Non-male identifying. That means women, trans and non-binary people
- Living in Plymouth, or close enough to get to us
You do not need any previous experience, your own equipment, any money, or to know what you are doing. Complete beginners are exactly who this is built for.
What you get
12 hours of 1-to-1 lessons
Just you and your tutor. No performing in front of a group before you are ready.
12 hours of free practice time
Your own time in the room to work things out without anyone watching.
The business of DJing
Getting booked. Pricing yourself. Dealing with promoters. Staying safe at gigs.
A live set at the venue
Your set, on the main system, with your people in the room. Free entry for friends and family.
Everything provided
Pioneer CDJ-3000s and professional mixers. The same kit used in clubs.
Help with travel
If getting here is the thing stopping you, tell us and we will sort it.
Who is teaching
Your tutor is Elle.
She started at the studios as a complete beginner. She had only ever used a small controller and found the CDJs overwhelming. In her own words, it made her question whether DJing was for her at all.
She played her first set downstairs in April 2025. That summer she was playing across Plymouth, Penzance, Polzeath and Bournemouth. She signed to Clockwork Artists that winter. This summer she played Wild Gardens, Boardmasters and Boomtown.
She knows exactly where you are starting from, because she started there.
How it works
Register your interest
Fill in the form below. It takes about ten minutes.
Come to a taster day
A relaxed session at the studios. Get your hands on the kit, meet Elle, see the space, ask anything.
Places are offered
Twelve places per group. We are running three groups.
You start
Twelve hours of lessons across eight weeks, scheduled around your work or study.
Need a hand with your application?
You do not have to do this online. If you do not have reliable internet, if forms are difficult for you, or if you would just rather talk to a person, we will fill it in with you.
Call 07939 341223 or come to the studios at 35 Union Street, Plymouth. No appointment needed. Just say you are here about Mixing Equality.
If there is anything you need in order to take part, tell us. We will work it out with you.
Questions
I have never touched a set of decks. Is that a problem?
No. That is exactly who this is for.
What if I cannot make it every week?
Lessons are scheduled around you. If work or college gets in the way, we move things. Tell us on the form what your week looks like.
Do I have to play the live set at the end?
We would love you to, and most people surprise themselves. But nobody is forced on stage.
I am 16. Can I still apply?
Yes. We will need a parent or guardian to confirm they are happy for you to take part.
Is it actually free?
Yes. No fees, no equipment costs, no catch.
What if I do not get a place?
We are running three groups over the year, so there is more than one chance. We will keep you on the list.
Register your interest
Fill in the form below and we will be in touch.