dubspot in The Columbia Spectator

Another popular destination for many DJ students is Dubspot (348 W. 14th St. between 8th and 9th avenues). A small space tucked away in the Meatpacking District, it is equipped with the latest gear for electronic-music production, from standard Technics turntables to Pioneer CDJs.

The founders of the school have traversed the DJ scene themselves, both working the turntables and managing massive venues like the famous Crobar. This professionalism and knowledge shows in their teaching approach.

“It’s more than just the technical skills,” co-founder Dan Giove said, “there’s a philosophical aspect that comes with it, too. It’s less about competition and more about sharing music.”

At a beginner’s class I visited, the wide range of students reflected Dubspot’s inclusiveness. An Italian man in a business suit proclaimed his conversion to hip-hop from European house music. A young, professional bass player wanted to learn to DJ so she could spin between her band’s sets at gigs. Young teenagers who had never touched a turntable and older cats looking to brush up on skills lost years ago shared the same classroom.

Just like lessons for any musical instrument, Dubspot’s curriculum includes a combination of technique and musical theory—except instead of hitting keys on a piano, you’re scratching vinyl on a turntable. “Music is a spiritual experience,” instructor DJ Solis told the class, “and DJing is just another way to tap into that. It’s the modern-day guitar.

Columbia Spectator, February 27th, 2009