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    Scratch DJ Academy

    4.8 (36 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Services - Scratch DJ Academy

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    DJ graduation
    Erica L.

    There's many ways to learn how to DJ: by dating one, knowing one as a friend, watching 'em, YouTube, books, CDs, etc. If you want to cut through the b.s., and get solid, experienced, practical how-to instruction, come to the Scratch DJ Academy, founded by Jam Master Jay. If you're commitment-phobic, try their free intro, hear about DJ roots, and meet the teachers. I jumped into it feet first by taking the 101 class, with no serious aspirations. My instructor, DJ Ver5e www.ver5e.com, is himself a graduate of Scratch, having completed every one of the required classes, and he was equal parts empathic to our frustrations, and firmly guiding us through DJ music history, basic scratching, exercises, and music theory. He was backed up by Mr. Choc http://bit.ly/o4Rxgc -- veteran DJ, and member of the World Famous Beat Junkies. We had awesome TA's, DJ Stonekold, and the French DJ Swift http://www.djswift.net (as I was one of two women in a class of 25, it was a little intimidating at first, but all the instructors were incredibly helpful and down-to-earth, NICE guys!). Those who teach at Scratch are working, professional DJs. Here I am at my 101 DJ Graduation: http://bit.ly/rnkdeF -- scratched in front of a full crowd. OMG!!! 101 was such a well-structured, well-paced class, that I couldn't help but sign up immediately for 202. That, and the fact that I left class every time with a humongous, goofy grin on my face and a tremendous feeling of pure child-like happiness. You forget about any troubles in your life, and tell stress to go for a hike. Music...it really does lift the spirit. The 202 class puts the 101 teachings into practice. Taught by DJ Robshot, here, the rubber meets the road, as you work on mixing, and by the end of the semester, wind up with a 6-song playlist. Whether on vinyl or digital (Traktor or Serrato), you mix for your class, and let me tell you, as terrifying as that sounds, it was one of the exhilarating experiences of my life. You don't easily forget that high, and probably will want to practice more to capture it again...and again. I also took the Digital Workshop 101, to figure out which program was better suited for me. People choose Serrato (in the US) because they see other DJs using it...but this workshop puts Serrato and Traktor up to the test, and compares them side-by-side. It gives clear, non-biased information on the programs' specs, and in the end, you decide which one best suits your needs. I found this workshop incredibly helpful and highly recommend it -- you might be surprised by the findings. Parking: street parking. Not a great area, as it's right near the 405 freeway on-ramp, but just remember that loading zones are OK to park in, after 6pm. ;)

    Class in session!
    Orsolya D.

    Do you know what a "break" is? How about a "downbeat"? Interested in DJ-ing and being the next big turn table artist? Then Scratch DJ Academy is for you. The current trend in music is the rise of self-produced electronic beats and thus, DJ's are gaining more recognition. LA is obviously a mecca for music and therefore music schools are available in large masses. Scratch Academy is legit, and was co-created by the late great Jam Master Jay. Scratch is dedicated to not only teaching its students about this form of music art but also about helping the community by creating student-friendly events which help build the arts and confidence. I had the pleasure of sitting in briefly on a class and wow... in about 15 minutes, I already learned so much. The students were attentive and had the luxury of standing behind top-of-the line brand turntables to learn the art hands-on. The instructor was absolutely amazing to listen to. Clear, articulate, passionate, and obviously knew what he was talking about. He talked about music theory and stressed the importance of actually knowing music to be recognized as a "real artist", talked about beats, notes, and demonstrated how not to just "make noise" but put "your hands on the 7-oclock position and wait for the downbeat". He went around the room to make sure everyone learned the current exercise. I can't encompass in a review how great he was. He was better than many college professors I had. This is the real thing. Scratch doesn't' t just try to fit some new fad and make money; it honestly cares about its students. Not to mention, the actual venue is awesome. Looking like an underground graffiti garage or soundstage where that MTV show "Your Mama" could have been filmed; it instantly spawns the feelings of hip hop and beats (but this isn't just about hip hop-- some of the students were women, hipster boys with tattoos and piercings, and even Middle Eastern men). It's very important to have a good vibe to learn in and Scratch does just that. One negative though is that the street it's located on in West LA is somewhat industrial and not "pretty" and there is no parking so you have to park at meters. If you are interested in music production/DJ-ing and don't necessarily think you have the money for equipment or that you can teach yourself.. this is the route to go. I highly suggest it to anyone and everyone whom is truly dedicated to this art and career route.

    Madame Pamita M.

    I LOVE this place! I bring my kids here (10 and 12 year olds) and they love it too. Everyone is so very friendly - the DJ teachers are really great at teaching - they don't make you feel intimidated for not knowing anything. They're so encouraging and there's no "cooler than you" stuff. Just a really professional, welcoming vibe. i love the two teachers we've worked with so far (Michael and Stone Cold) - both were so great. The music that everyone is working on is really diverse too! I heard someone playing Perez Prado today - crazy! The spirit of Jam Master Jay and all his loving energy lives on!

    Gettin schooled in beats
    Joni L.

    Cool spot to take some DJ lessons. My sister and her fiance both took classes here. I got to visit here when I came for her final exam. The vibe is laid back and fun and everyone (staff and students) are really friendly. They have tons of equipment and the space is huge. I had a fun afternoon here.

    DJ Risty, Matter & DJ Budo

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    8 years ago

    From: DJ. Big Cousin(Ture'YE)this is the best DJ school ever in the United States, 1 of the best 2 in the world! #scratchLA

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    10 years ago

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    6 years ago

    I paid $8,000. Attended 4 weeks of the program and they kept my money and only offered credit for future use.

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    Christine M.

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    10 years ago

    greatest place in la! i'm so grateful for this school! #scratch fam

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    Ask the Community - Scratch DJ Academy

    Is this place open? I've sent them emails and I got no answer. Just wondering if it shit down

    They are open I believe except for Sunday's

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Scratch DJ Academy

    Scratch academy is awesome and even though I haven't been back in while I did get to meet and learn from a lot of really talented people.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Paul Schackman's Actors Instinct - Rock your auditions! #actorsinstinct

    Paul Schackman's Actors Instinct

    (32 reviews)

    Sawtelle

    I highly recommend Paul Schackman's acting classes to actors at all levels of experience and…read morecomfort. I've been working with Paul for over a year now, and put simply, I love coming to class. I had never taken an acting class (aside from a 6 week class when I was 12) but have always felt drawn to the craft and I could not have found a better teacher, guide, and mentor than Paul. Now, I can confidently call myself an actor. He has helped me tremendously to find parts of myself I didn't know were there, to improve my acting and confidence and he has done so with an exploratory, playful, and encouraging approach. I feel safe 'playing' in class with different choices and his direction is always on point and transformative. Paul has also helped me navigate the industry and I go to him when I have a question or need direction. I am now repped by an awesome top commercial agent and looking forward to expanding my career in this beautifully challenging industry. It all started with Paul. As a bonus, classes are on Zoom. I find this to be the best medium for convenience, traffic and life and it doesn't take away from the experience. You actually get really focused one on one time with Paul without distractions as everyone else is on mute and off camera while you work. I love it.

    Paul is not only a master of the craft of acting and teaching acting, but he is also a master of…read morethe craft of coaching actors. I've tried a lot of different studios over the last 5 years while living in LA and I was really struggling to find my acting home. There are so many techniques and studios who set up a program that benefits them but I don't know how much they actually think about you as an individual. In contrast, I know that Paul thinks about each and every one of his students and is truly invested in their success. He knows how to adapt to each person's acting ability and personality while teaching a simple approach that especially helps in the world in which we actors are trying to get work today. He cuts to the truth. It also makes me happy to see my classmates improve each week. The feedback he gives is fair, easy to understand and will help you grow and produce great work. If you're serious and want to be working, I highly recommend giving his class a shot.

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    Century City

    My son has been training at Gary Spatz's The Playground, and the growth we have witnessed has been…read morenothing short of remarkable. Through improv, scene study, and commercial sessions, he has developed skills I never expected to see so quickly. His Junior Varsity class with Gayla Goehl has been a highlight, and he genuinely loves showing up every single week. What sets Gayla apart is her philosophy. She has a gift for helping each student discover their own authentic voice rather than molding them into someone else's idea of a performer. She meets every kid exactly where they are, and the confidence my son has built under her guidance carries far beyond the stage. Gayla creates a space where he feels comfortable asking questions, talking openly, and truly being himself. Her warmth makes her more than a coach. She is a trusted mentor. As a parent, knowing your child has that kind of support system is invaluable. She does not push. She inspires. Her advice has been spot-on every time, and her open-door approach makes both students and parents feel like they are truly part of a community. Highly recommend Gayla and The Playground to any parent looking for a place where their child can grow, thrive, and love the process.

    I have to say--I love The Playground. I've always wanted to pursue acting in some form, and I'm so…read moreglad I found this place. I originally discovered it for my son and kept asking if they offered adult classes. At the time, they didn't--but recently I got an email that they finally are! I started taking classes with Gayla a few months ago, and I truly can't say enough good things. Tuesday nights have become something I genuinely look forward to every week. It's not just fun--it's therapeutic, challenging, and way more fulfilling than I ever expected. Gayla is an incredible teacher. She really pushes you, is honest in the best way, and creates such a supportive environment to grow. Easily one of the best teachers I've ever had. If you've been thinking about trying acting, just go for it.

    Scratch DJ Academy - specialtyschools - Updated May 2026

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