With the growing trend in electronic dance music, it’s no coincidence that this genre is inspiring a new generation of disc jockeys. In the past, aspiring producers were limited to attending specialized schools with analog synthesizers. Now, with the growth of technology, a bridge has been built for those with dreams of becoming a super-star DJ on a budget.
Five-time DJ Mag winner Armin van Buuren has recently teamed up with MasterClass in a series of web-videos on (basically) how to become Armin van Buuren. Not only will Armin teach production techniques and how to mix, but he will also share insights and how to get your foot-in-the-door in the evolving industry. Those who take the class will also see the Grammy-nominated artist create a new track from scratch.

“Nowadays, to be a successful artist and DJ, it’s not enough to just know how to spin records. If you want to stand out, you need to make your own records, write music, and make remixes and mashups for your DJ sets. I’m truly excited to share my passion for producing music and DJing in my MasterClass. It’s the first time I get to show you my secrets and tips, and everything I’ve learned in my twenty years in this business.” —Armin van Buuren

The classes are set for early 2018 where you will receive 20+ lessons on “how to make dance music” from a “platinum-selling producer.” You can either take the class yourself or give it as a gift for someone who you know might be dreaming of being on the big stage. Armin’s class is $90, or you can purchase an All-Access Pass for $180 where you can take all of the lessons available on MasterClass.

It seems like this idea has been brewing, or at least thrown around, for awhile. In a 2015 video from DJ Times, Armin talks about what could have been the foundation to his 2017 tenure. Initially, Armin did not want to create something like “Armin van Buuren presents MasterClass” but to develop a sort of community where an inexperienced artist can have the connections to the right people and get their music out there. In his “Demo Day”, he would talk about his tracks, how he produces and DJs . . . Well, essentially a MasterClass . . . or more like a MasterLecture.

What is MasterClass? Well, this is what they had to say about themselves:

“MasterClass takes a unique approach to online learning by working with globally-recognized instructors and Emmy and Academy Award-winning directors to create a new kind of class. MasterClass pairs world-class instructors with Hollywood directors and Silicon Valley engineers to create a brand new type of learning experience. We can’t wait for you to explore our classes!”

Aside from EDM, MasterClass has various topics and courses where you can learn how to cook from Gordon Ramsay, or architecture from Frank Gehry.

Learning new techniques isn’t the only thing that these online classes will teach you. “The biggest thing I got from (MasterClass) is that it inspired me to make new music using someone else’s perspective and approach,” PJ Villaflor said. The musician has taken two courses so far and plans on taking Armin’s, as well.

Armin isn’t the only one teaching a class on electronic music. If you want to go a darker route, something consisting with a bit of techno and deep house, then you’ll be glad to know that deadmau5 also has his own series of classes where he goes beneath the mouse helmet.

Rahat Rashid was one of the many who took deadmau5 course and had a few words for those who are interested in tutelage from the Canadian. “Like if a person who had no idea where to start, I’d recommend this.”

For those who cannot attend or afford to take courses at a sound engineering school, MasterClass brings that kind of education to you and at your own free time. Education is no longer as linear as it was for previous generations. If you have ever dreamt of making euphoric music that will tug on a sweaty crowd’s heart-strings, then taking some video lessons from Professor van Buuren might be the thing for you.

Armin van Buuren