Bali DJ School: Unlock Your Creative Potential

In Bali, there’s never a shortage of things to do, whether you’re exploring business, spirituality, travel, or the arts. This vibrant island offers something for everyone, with fresh activities and creative outlets constantly emerging for locals and visitors alike. One exciting opportunity is learning the art of DJing.

Bali DJ School provides a unique pathway for anyone passionate about music—whether aspiring professionals or hobbyists—to master DJing. Through a fast-track learning approach, students acquire DJ skills within weeks, learning from experienced professionals who perform at Bali's top venues.

We spoke with the school’s co-founder, Ilya, an industry veteran, who shared insights into the school’s programs, community support, and personalized promotion that set Bali DJ School apart. Read on to discover how this one-of-a-kind school fosters creativity, prepares students for real-world DJ experiences, and is expanding into the English-speaking market with new programs for young learners.

“I’m Ilya, 35, from Tatarstan. My passion for music and DJing began at 16, and since then, I’ve played as a resident DJ at various clubs, performed at festivals, toured, and even competed in DJ battles. These experiences have deepened my understanding of DJing, which I view as a constantly evolving art form. Recently, I’ve focused on vinyl, especially Romanian house and minimal styles, and I’m exploring the creative possibilities of live performance with Ableton Live.”

“Before moving to Bali, I had some teaching experience, so by the time I decided to open the school, I was already confident in explaining concepts and teaching effectively. After relocating two years ago, I needed a way to make a living, and the idea of starting a DJ school had been on my mind for some time. I met others who shared this vision, and together we brought it to life.

"Of course! I’ve developed a teaching program that’s different from what you’ll find at other DJ schools. When I spoke with people who trained at other DJ schools, I was surprised to hear that some courses took one to three months to complete. Personally, I don’t think it needs to take that long! I teach the essentials in just one month, and some students even pick up the basics in as little as two weeks. Once you understand the core principles, it’s really all about practice and fine-tuning your skills."

"I think of DJing as having three essential parts:

1. Technical Knowledge – First, you need to understand the equipment. That means knowing your way around DJing gear, especially the Pioneer DJ controller, which is the industry standard. You don’t need to master every model but having a solid foundation with the basics is essential.

2. Musical Understanding – This isn’t just about knowing different genres; it’s about managing your music, from sourcing to organizing and curating a set that guides the energy on the dance floor. It’s not something you can just pick up on YouTube; it’s about feeling out the crowd and knowing how to create a journey with your music choices.

3. Self-Expression – Finally, it’s about developing your unique style and identity as a DJ. This could be a distinct look, signature moves, or a vibe that’s unmistakably yours. Some DJs go bold with their image—like certain women DJs who perform topless, making it part of their brand. But ultimately, self-expression in DJing is about what sets you apart, and that can only come once you’ve nailed the technical and musical basics. If you jump straight into self-expression without a solid foundation, it’s hard to have a lasting impact."

"Our students come from all over and are primarily Russian speakers, from places like Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and beyond. So far, we’ve had over 107 graduates. The program is designed for people with no prior DJing experience—students arrive with zero knowledge, and by the end, they’re equipped with the skills to DJ. But the real key is commitment. It’s not just about free time; if you’re motivated, you’ll find the time and resources to learn.

Most of our students are women, typically between 23 and 30, though we also get a good number of men. We have a wide range of people—entrepreneurs, tourists, travellers, IT professionals. We’ve even had single moms, a 50-year-old graduate, and our youngest student was just seven. Many students are looking to add a creative spark to their lives. Not all of them aim to become professional DJs; a lot of them simply enjoy picking up a new skill and exploring something different."

“We’ve had a lot of success stories here. Beyond teaching, we can also support our students in promoting themselves as DJs. This includes helping them build their brand, manage their social media presence, and network with key people in the industry. We show them how to present themselves professionally to gain opportunities and visibility.

Our instructors are all active DJs, performing weekly at top clubs like Miss Fish, Desa Kitsune, and Les Toilettes. We believe it’s crucial for students to learn from professionals who are actively performing, not just from DJs who only practice at home.

One of our graduates, a former model and promoter, now has her sights set on playing at Burning Man—I’m confident she’ll get there. When she’s in Bali, she performs at private events and often receives invitations to play in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities. Another graduate has carved out a niche by organizing and DJing at afterparties for crypto and business conferences."

“We’ve created a private community for our current students and graduates. Within this group, there’s demand for events, which we help organize, and we support our students in promoting themselves around Bali. As part of the program, we produce a high-quality, professional video: a one-hour clip filmed in the studio and professionally edited. This video serves as a strong portfolio piece that students can show to art directors. We also record a final graduation mix for each student, giving them a finished product to showcase their skills.”

“This season, we’re excited to expand into the English-speaking market—a new step for us. We now offer courses in three or four languages. Another exciting project is our children’s program, which has been gaining popularity. DJing for kids is on the rise, and we’ve already had success with young students.

We’re also planning to open a new studio in Uluwatu, ideal for those wanting to try something new while taking a break from surfing. DJing and the party scene go hand-in-hand, so it’s a natural fit for the area.

On a personal level, I believe music is a powerful support, especially during difficult times. It lifts your spirits, helps you unwind, and stays with you through life. DJing is more than a skill; it’s an incredible way to relieve stress, recharge, and bring joy to people’s lives.”

“DJing is both a skill and a lifelong passion. Once you’ve learned it, you’ll always be able to step up to a Pioneer DJ controller and know exactly what to do. While some technical details may evolve, the core principles of music and rhythm remain the same. That’s why I believe DJing is something anyone can enjoy—age and musical background don’t matter. Even if someone feels they don’t have a musical ear, they can still become a DJ. If you love music, you can learn the skill.

Come visit us at Bali DJ School and experience the world of DJing!”