I'm starting out as a DJ and am looking for classes in Chiang Mai. I found one which was terrible but would be happy to hear from anyone who has a better recommendation. On the internet I found “DJ Studio and Service LTD” and Delicate Music School. I haven’t tried the first one. I went to Delicate Music School and thought I'd share my experience to help people make an informed decision about this place.

First of all ‘Delicate Music School’ is basically some guy’s spare room in a shared house very deep inside a soi. You WILL have trouble finding it. But that was the least of problems. The teacher, who in all fairness is essentially a friendly guy, is the worst teacher I have ever encountered. He is a talented musician and I personally like his music. But as a teacher…terrible.

Lessons started late and ended exactly on time so I never got my full hours. He was constantly on facebook and interrupting the lesson to write chat messages. He was constantly showing me the music he’s produced while I was trying to do my exercises – it felt less like he was trying to share his music and more like he was looking for admiration. When I asked questions, he didn’t answer them well, was impatient and made me feel silly for even asking them. He is not good at putting himself in beginners’ shoes and understanding that even basic things can be difficult. When I asked a question that in his opinion was stupid, he yelled and swore at me. The whole time I had the feeling that he is only teaching DJing to make quick money on the side.

He also told me laughingly that people have cried in his class and he has had complaints so I know I am not the only one who had issues with his teaching. There’s many ways to learn and if you are ok with the ‘tough’ approach, you might do very well. But I personally felt very stifled and unrelaxed. I’m sure he’s nice as a friend but not as a teacher. My advice is never to pay the full course fee up front and ask for trial lessons first. If they don’t accept that, then really consider if you want to take that risk.

As for finding another teacher, I think DJ Studio and Service LTD has contacts of a few DJs who can teach. I think I'll start with approaching DJs in my favorite bars when they are not busy, and ask if they would be willing to teach or mentor. Usually a few pointers will be sufficient to get you on the right track. If anyone can recommend a better school, I'd be glad to hear about it!

Did you have any luck with this? I am currently looking for something similar, really to producing course, making beats (hip hop, edm), let me know if you were successful. If not i'll give the Delicate Music School guy a try, . Maybe he has changed his attitude by now.

Sounds like a business opportunity. Why dont you guys start your own school?

Delicate Music School, least i can say he has not changed one bit from your descriptions. Very narcissistic personality, spoke of himself and what he is doing so often i forgot what i was even there for. When it came to scheduling, I dodge him and said i would return. Looks like a good working space its in his own place, but its clean and his equipment looks good, but he's so into himself it would be hard to learn from him, at least i Imagine. I'll take real piano lessons somewhere else. and Learn the EMP stuff through youtube. Didn't seem that difficult anyways, a lot of it is playing around with sounds and learning what doesn't work. Overall Avoid this dude, save your time on other much needed things.