The
following interview appears in the February 2002 edition of Sonik
Magazine
(p. 46) 
DJ Rob Wegner: Club DJ Class
at Scottsdale Community College
By Steven Ratz, Jr.
Quietly at the forefront of
the Valley music scene for nearly two decades, DJ Rob Wegner
has committed his life to his love of music, and to sharing that
love with others. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the former Chicagoan
has showcased his skills on the turntables at some of the most
legendary clubs in the state. Able to read his dance floor like
a book, the versatile Wegner knows when to throw down tracks
from house to hip-hop, and his silky smooth mixes always whip
his crowd into a frenzy!
Having mastered his craft behind
the wheels of steel, Wegner is currently taking his knowledge
and skills to the next level. Establishing Discjockey101.com
roughly a year ago to help others understand what it takes to
be an effective DJ, Wegner has now established an actual college
course on the art of DJing at the prestigious Scottsdale Community
College.
As a founding member of Power
Mix, a music production company dedicated to developing radio
mixshows, remixes, and original productions, Wegner's most recent
projects include a collaboration with legendary Chicago DJ Bad
Boy Bill to produce house tracks, featuring powerful vocals by
the Valley's own Megan. In addition, Wegner is bringing the innovative
Sugar club night to Voo Doo Lounge every Thursday, transforming
the club into a whole new party experience.
Sonik:
Tell me what you're trying to do with this DJ school concept?
Rob:
While the concept of DJ lessons is not new, it is new in the
sense that it hasn't been taught at a public college before.
They didn't know what to call it or even have a section number
for it. I believe that it's time for DJ skills to be studied
at the college/university level. DJ's are legitimate musicians
and artists and the university-college system is devised to give
people the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from one another
- which raises the standard of the artform.
Sonik:
What motivated you, personally, to do this?
Rob:
I would always get asked about lessons and how to get started
as a DJ. I never had an answer. Where do you tell them to go?
Most DJ's learn from within the club system - or from friends.
Now that it's a profession, it should be taught at the colleges.
Since I have a B.S. and M.A., I shouldn't waste this opportunity
- and hopefully, open the doors for some other DJ's. I would
like to see DJ's become professors. After all, they profess via
their music every night.
Sonik:
You already had a class last semester, right?
Rob:
Last semester was the first time. It was a success and as a result,
the class is two weeks longer this semester.
Sonik:
Does your class have any required reading?
Rob:
I highly recommend Stephen Webber's book, "Turntable Basics,"
which is available in the SCC bookstore. He wrote an article
for my website and is currently writing a book with DJ Radar
on scratch composition.
Sonik:
What makes you feel that you're qualified to teach this course?
Rob:
I learned how to play drums when I was nine. I played in bands
until I was 18 and even took symphony percussionist lessons for
college credit. A few months after I turned 18, I started drumming
to disco at a club - and that's where I learned how to DJ. I've
been a DJ ever since - almost 20 years. I also learned how to
teach during my graduate work at ASU, as well as answering basic
DJ questions on my website.
Sonik:
What can somebody expect to get out of your class?
Rob:
The class is for beginning DJ's - even though we had experienced
DJ's last semester. They should expect to learn basics such as
how to bpm a record, beat mixing and the different types of mixing,
basic scratching, equipment, formatting and reading a crowd,
music sources, etc.
Sonik:
So they should be able to understand DJ basics and what it is
to be a DJ?
Rob:
By the time the class is over, they should have enough knowledge
to get started and to decide on a DJ career. It leads to bigger
and better things, such as producing, record label work, entertainment
attorney, copyright enforcement, etc. Even cruise ships and Club
Med needs DJ's. I should mention that SCC has a top-rated music
program - from music business courses to music producing/MIDI
classes. DJ's make great music producers.
Sonik:
I understand that you have a guest speaker program for your class,
what is the purpose of that?
Rob:
I don't want them to have just my perspective. The students should
be exposed to different theories and styles. That's why DJ Radar
will be there to discuss scratching, and Timothy Heit, who spoke
last semester, will be there to discuss mixing. In my opinion,
Tim is one of the best mixers in the U.S. - even Paul Oakenfold
called him "the new man" when Tim spun with him at
Freedom.
Sonik:
So your guest speakers are specialists in their field of spinning?
Who is scheduled to speak?
Rob:
The guest speaker usually relates to the subject matter of the
night. This semester's speaker schedule includes: DJ Emile, who
will speak on genres; DJ Radar on scratching; DJ Kevin Brown
on touring and music; Timothy Heit on mixing; DJ Shad on mixing
with CD players; and I hope that you [Steve Ratz] will speak
about the global DJ's that you've interviewed for DMA Magazine.
Sonik:
Where have you spun and do you spin anywhere now?
Rob:
In the Valley, I've worked at Zazoo when it was "the place
to be," Club UM, Club 411, Shepherd's on Sunday nights -
when we would bring-in guest DJ's like Chris Flores, Eddie Amador,
Z-Trip, AL-III, Inertia, C.L. McSpadden, and Markus Schulz. I
co-opened [as a DJ] Axis-Radius with Dave Rajput, who broke Chicago
house here in the Valley during the 80's. I worked at Sanctuary,
Insomnia, and a bunch of other places. I also co-opened Zone
nightclub in Albuquerque, NM. Currently, I spin at Voo Doo Lounge
in Scottsdale on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Sonik:
Have you worked on any recent projects?
Rob:
I spun on the radio in Chicago-Joliet during the summer (WBVS-FM)
and I'm collaborating with Bad Boy Bill on a new track that will
feature Valley vocalist Megan.
