Scratch DJ Academy’s 10-Year Anniversary event will take place on January 15th at the Canal Room in New York City.
The event marks co-founders the late Jam Master Jay and Rob Principe’s major milestone for the prestigious music academy, paralleled by the fervent growth of the DJ culture rising in the hearts and playlists of America. The event will celebrate 10 years of Scratch DJ Academy and Jam Master Jay’s legacy and honoring the achievements of DJ Kool Herc, DJ Q-Bert and DJ A-Trak through a special award presentation.
The event will include an exclusive performance from DMC from the world famous Run DMC and special DJ performances by Grandwizzard Theodore, DJ Revolution, Mr Choc, DJ Dasmatic ( Jay Master Jay's son TJ Mizell) and more.
Since inception in New York City in 2002, Scratch DJ Academy opened additional locations in Los Angeles and Miami, and expanded its course offerings to include music production. Today, Scratch has taught over 500,000 people how to DJ and produce music from all 50 states, 35 different countries, and is widely recognized as the world leader in DJ and music production education. Scratch DJ Academy will open its 4th physical location in Chicago at the SAE Institute in February.
LA Music Examiner recently interviewed Rob Principe, co founder of the Scratch DJ Academy. Here is what he had to say about the academy, Djing, Jam Master Jay and more.
Interview with Rob Principe:
Belinda: Let's talk about Scratch DJ Academy. It is about to celebrate the 10th anniversary. You founded the academy with Jam Master Jay? How did the academy come about?
Rob: After attending an event one night in NYC, I witnessed firsthand the power of a DJ’s performance to really ignite a crowd. At the time, no formal DJ education program existed and through my music industry connections I was fortuitously introduced to the legendary Jam Master Jay. Together, we opened the doors of the first Scratch DJ Academy in NYC in 2002 with the goal in mind to create a unique learning environment where we could help individuals find a streamlined path to learning both DJing and producing.
Belinda:· How have you seen dj ing change in the past 10 years?
Rob: Because of improvements in technology and the democratization of the art form, public consumption of music is more available on every level. Technology has now empowered the broader culture to access DJ mixes/remixes, but DJs are also sharing their proprietary content with fans more easily than ever before. With this increased visibility has come easier access to the tools, equipment and software necessary to get into the DJ game, thereby fostering a fresh crop of passionate and diverse talent.
Belinda: Are there any Djs out there that you admire?
Rob: I have a lot of respect for the success of the bold-faced names on the DJ circuit today, but I have always been inspired by the pioneers. We are lucky enough to be able to honor some of that legendary and prolific talent at this 10 year anniversary event including A-Trak, Kool Herc and Q-bert. DMC of Run DMC will also be performing along with DJ Dasmatic (Jam Master Jay’s son) to represent the past and future generations of DJing.
Belinda: The growth of DJs today have become a huge business. What is your take on the success of djs such as Tiesto, David Guetta, Deadmau5 , and Afrojack?
Rob: Recognition of DJ talent, and it’s mainstream exposure, can only mean positive things for Scratch DJ Academy. Seeing talent like Swedish House Mafia sell out Madison Square Garden only helps us to pursue our vision of bringing DJ education to the forefront. Our objective has always been to provide the means necessary for hobbyists and career DJs alike to build their skills through our curriculum, giving academic legitimacy and professional clout to the art form. The presence and success of people like Tiesto, Guetta and Deadmau5 only further that goal.
Belinda: Run DMC recently had their first performance since disbanding in 2002 at Jay Z 's Made In America. What were you feeling on that day and your thoughts on the performance?
Rob: Obviously this performance was very meaningful and emotional for me given my connection to Jam Master Jay, but I think it was an historic event for music fans everywhere. Reunions of this caliber don’t happen all that often and when they do, it’s a special moment.
For more information on the academy: www.stratch.com
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