Soul Sessions: DJing and the Art of Musical Storytelling

Format: Multiday residency, 3 sessions, 90 minutes each, 4.5 hours total. Designed for high school students, delivered in a group learning and practice model.
Learning goals: By the end of the residency, students will be able to (1) use professional DJ equipment to beatmatch, blend, and sequence music, (2) analyze how DJs use rhythm, selection, and sequencing to tell stories and shape culture, tracing the roots of Black musical traditions, and (3) perform a short mixed set and reflect on music as a cultural archive and a creative career path.
Session 1: Foundations of DJing and Musical Roots
10 mins: Welcome and listening warm up
20 mins: The DJ as storyteller, the history and cultural roots of Black musical traditions, including Hip Hop, House, Go Go, Soul, R&B, Gospel, Funk, and Jazz
35 mins: Equipment orientation and first mixing skills in small group rotations
15 mins: Group practice and share
10 mins: Reflection and surveys
Session 2: Mixing, Sequencing, and Story
10 mins: Warm up and recap
20 mins: Reading a room, song selection and sequencing to tell a story and evoke emotion
40 mins: Guided mixing practice in small group rotations, building a short set
15 mins: Share works in progress and peer feedback
5 mins: Reflection and surveys
Session 3: Performance and Showcase
10 mins: Warm up
25 mins: Rehearse and refine sets with coaching
35 mins: Student showcase, each student or group performs a short mixed set
15 mins: Reflection on music as cultural archive and creative careers
5 mins: Surveys