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DJ Syrena  Feb 25 2008 - 12:18am   

Excitement and nervousness toyed with me as I entered the Scratch DJ Academy for my 1st lesson with Turntablist superstars Shortee and Faust. I had signed up for Scratching class, better know as 202. It’s been something I wanted to learn, ever since the academy opened. My expertise has always been in long, smooth blends, and the prospect of learning to scratch offered a new foray into the world of DJing. Being a fan of classes, personal classroom attention in a structured format (to keep me motivated) appealed to me.

The academy resides in an semi-industrial area of West Los Angeles, at a space also known as the R.E.H.A.B. record store. Some darkened shelves to the left and a stage area flanked by arcade games and a flyer stand to the right framed the path to the back of the space where a dozen or so DJ setups rested on empty oil barrels set against a backdrop of exposed brick walls lined with framed autographed posters of turntablist heroes. A few students were at some of the stations, practicing. I checked in, was issued a set of records and needles, and claimed a spot. I had unfortunately missed the first class, and so I did a makeup class the hour beforehand with one of the T.A.’s, DJ Lost. We reviewed the baby, release, drag and scribble. All manageable, since they did not involve any fader moves.

In a bustle of energy Faust and Shortee made their entrance, and by then, all students took their places and class began. Shortee immediately did roll call, wrote everyone’s DJ names on the board and reviewed all the scratches learned the week before. Armed with handouts of descriptions and diagrams of the scratches we were to learn, she cheerfully handed out the day’s lesson and established a warm rapport with each student.

Her tone exuded confidence, warmth, and encouragement. Her passion for her craft was clear. Faust kept the beats going while Shortee went through a review of scratches, then invited the class to join in. After that, she called on us individually to perform a solo pattern of the scratch for 4 bars. Unbeknownst to me, I had chosen the station right next to hers, and believe me her baby scratch solo was anything basic, and I had to follow! The anxiety gripped me as I did a very simple baby scratch in front of the entire class. I made it through, and so continued the routine, with everyone taking their turns. There was a not-so-surprising minority of women, with the only other female in the class being a fellow asian sister, DJ Mixtine. Her skills were quite impressive.

That week was the start of incorporating the use of the crossfader, and let me tell you it is not easy! The Forward Stab was now my biggest challenge. When it came time to review the newly learned scratches the following week, I still had not mastered it, and during the solo rounds, I had extreme difficulty...oh the pressure and embarrassment since everyone else seemed to know how to do it...Shortee moved in to provide guidance and support...and all of a sudden I somehow got it, because the entire class cheered and applauded in unison! My face was bright red, I’m sure, but it felt amazing to know that the class was in full support and not judgement. It was then that Shortee revealed to me that it just takes time and practice and pointed out, “See where Mixtine’s level is? She started out just like you, but this is her third time taking the class, so just practice everyday, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. I can tell you get it, you just need to keep at it.” I felt reassured and inspired, by the fact that there were varying skill levels in the class, and also by Shortee’s professional and effective teaching style. Mixtine reinforced Shortee’s sentiment, and I was positively motivated to practice. (I was later to discover that Mixtine also teaches a mixing class at the academy).

After the acquisition of a mixer that allowed for crossfader cuts, and dedicated practice, I mastered the Foward and Backward Stabs, and Chirp scratches. My trusty old Pioneer DJM 500 just wasn’t up to the task of turntablism, so I picked up a Numark 1050 for $79, which should hold me over until I’m ready to upgrade to my dream Pioneer 800. I figure for the beating I’m gonna give this one while I learn, it’s a wise choice. I felt a sense of triumph as I demonstrated my new skills at the next class, but my momentum was to be interrupted...

Second to the last class, I picked up a music supervision project that did not allow me to attend a very important class, the class where we learned to Transform and Crab. The final class, the students related to me that their arms were still sore from the previous week’s transforming drills! We were set to learn the Flare and several pattern variations. And then to top it off, our final class performances were due. Way to go with the preparation! I made the best of it. We were assigned to team up with a scratch buddy and work out a routine where we switched off back and forth. I teamed up with CAPS, and we went with an old skool breakbeat loop. Someone even brought a video camera, so now there’s evidence...! Impressive performances were had all around. Our turn came up, and we rocked it out, I did my best to have fun and keep it simple, even though I probably forgot to breathe. After, CAPS and I hi-fived each other, and we both admitted in relief that we were still shaking from the nerves and adrenaline!

Graduation, yes there is an official graduation ceremony, is set for next Sunday, for all classes from this session, and it should prove to be quite the party. If anyone should have the inkling to relieve that itch to learn to scratch or improve those mixing skills, I whole-heartedly recommend taking a class at the Scratch DJ Academy. The staff’s expert credentials speak for itself and the support and encouragement of the teaching environment rivals that of any of my favorite teachers. I can honestly say that I know the basics of scratching and with (a lot) more practice, will be able to master the more advanced techniques. A long way in just 6 weeks when I was barely able to synchronize my hands to pat my head and rub my tummy, so to speak. Scratch DJ Academy – LA at 2324 Cotner Ave, (310) 312-6599; http://www.scratch.com/la