What?
The EKKO DJ Course 2 is a course for advanced DJs, mainly from the Utrecht region. If you want to participate, you are at least 18 years old at the time the course starts and you have demonstrable experience with playing on professional DJ equipment such as CDJs, DJMs and/or Technics. In addition, you would like to continue to grow as an artist by improving your technical skills, further developing your style and increasing your network and business skills. You are willing to collaborate with other participants. It does not matter what kind of music you like to play, all styles are welcome. We are especially interested in why you would like to take the next step as an artist.
During this course you will make a personal development plan together with your mentor, based on your ambitions and existing skills. In addition, you will visit several dance nights in both EKKO and other Utrecht clubs. Here you will learn more about dissecting the dance floor, what moves people during a night and how to balance a set in terms of relevance, room capacity and time slot, among other things.
At the end of the course, you’ll be ready for the next step in your career. For example, you can advance to different club nights, both inside and outside EKKO.
Who?
A total of 6 participants, guided together in a group by a mentor. The classes are taught by Pieter Jansen, DJ and programmer with deep roots in the Dutch music scene.
Pieter Jansen
Pieter Jansen, both birth name and stage name, is a well-known face in the electronic music scene as a DJ, label boss and as a resident & programmer at the renowned Breakfast Club and Drift. Before spending more time DJing, he began his career at EKKO, among other places, promoting and programming club nights and festivals. Pieters style is characterized by his ability to move through many genres, with regular excursions into electro, IDM, house and minimalist grooves. Because of his broad knowledge and experience both on and behind the stage, he is able to help develop talents like no other.
Why?
EKKO observes that there is too little diverse recruitment of DJ talent, too limited opportunities for advancement and networking and that it is difficult to develop sustainably as a DJ. The program serves as a stepping stone in taking the next steps within your craftsmanship, the scene and the industry’s context, in which you develop your technical skills, expand your network, gain insight into industry structures, and recognize entry and advancement opportunities.
You will not only learn what it means to invest sustainably in your network, career, and knowledge but also which questions you should continue asking yourself when your career takes off suddenly. EKKO provides concrete tools for exploring your network, ambition, and development possibilities.
When?
The DJ Course 2 consists of 10 lessons, each around 2 hours long, with opportunities in between to practice independently at EKKO. In addition, we expect you to participate in the context program as much as possible, both at EKKO and elsewhere. (For example, a joint visit to an artist’s studio and/or a festival visit.)
The DJ Course 2 runs from the end of September 2025 until mid-March 2026 and takes place at EKKO on Tuesday evenings from 18:00 to 20:00. We expect you to be able to attend all lessons.
Class Dates (times approx. 18:00 – 20:00):
Introduction
Tuesday evening, September 30, 2025
Classes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Christmas Break
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Final assignment: video set of approx. 1 hour
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Closing
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
How much does it cost?
The course is largely funded by the Performing Arts Fund. If you are selected for the DJ course, we ask a one-time contribution of €50. Is this amount a barrier for you? Please let us know, and we will explore possibilities together.
Would you like to participate? Sign up here.
The DJ Course 2 is made possible in part by:
Fonds Podiumkunsten
Prins Bernhard Fonds
K.F. Hein Fonds