WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN TULUM RADIO'S
DJ ACADEMY
Welcome to the Downtown Tulum Radio DJ Academy, where your journey into the vibrant world of music begins. Under the guidance of the legendary Omar Labastida, Founder and ExecutiveGeneral Director of Downtown Tulum Radio, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the global electronic music scene. At Downtown Tulum Radio DJ Academy, we believe music is more than sound—it’s a universal language that connects and transforms. Our mission is to empower the next generation of artists to make their mark on the global stage.We are committed to providing world- class DJ training with a personal touch. At our academy, you’re not just a student— you’re part of a family dedicated to excellence in music and creativity.
Don’t just take our word for it—check out our students' testimonials below!
WE ARE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU ON BOARD!
Your DJ Journey
DJ Fundamentals & Gear
🎵 The Evolution of DJing – Understanding the culture & history behind the craft.
🎚 Essential DJ Equipment – CDJs, mixers, controllers, turntables, headphones & cables.
🎛 Mastering the Pioneer CDJ & DJM Systems – Industry-standard club setup.
📀 Vinyl DJing – The art of spinning on wax and understanding analog sound.
Software & Music Preparation
📂 Rekordbox 101 – Organizing, analyzing & preparing tracks like a pro.
🎯 Hot Cues, Loops & Quantization – Precision tools for seamless mixing.
🔎 Building Your Music Library – Record pools, streaming, & vinyl sourcing.
🎶 Genre Awareness & Music Selection – Reading the crowd & curating the perfect set.
DJ Techniques & Mixing Mastery
🎵 Beatmatching & Tempo Control – Train your ears for flawless transitions.
🔄 EQ & Harmonic Mixing – Using the Camelot Wheel & filters for smooth blends.
🔊 Looping & FX – Creative tools to add energy & dynamics to your mix.
🎚 Track Structure & Transitions – Recognizing breaks, builds & drops for perfect flow.
⚡ Advanced DJ Techniques – Live mashups, acapella blending & unique performance tricks.
Performance, Branding & Industry Insights
🎥 Recording & Showcasing Your Sets – Capturing your mixes & sharing professionally.
🎤 Set Preparation & Storytelling – Crafting a journey that keeps the dancefloor engaged.
📝 Building Your DJ Brand – Self-promotion, EPKs & developing your artist identity.
🌎 Networking & Industry Insights – Connecting with the right people & securing gigs.
WHY CHOOSE DTR'S DJ ACADEMY?
YOUR DJ JOURNEY STARTS HERE
🎶 10-CLASS PACKAGE
Master the fundamentals with 10 expert-led classes designed to build a solid foundation. This package includes:
✅ Learn the fundamentals of vinyl and master beat-matching by EAR
✅ Official DTR Certification of completion
✅ 2 hours of studio practice time to refine your skills
Perfect for beginners and aspiring DJs who are ready to level up.
NOT READY TO COMMIT? TRY A ONE-HOUSE DJ SESSION!
Not sure if DJing is for you? 🎧 Book a 1-hour intro session and step into our studio!
Whether you want to test out professional equipment, get a taste of the decks before committing, or grab some advanced tips from Omar Labastida, this session is the perfect way to experience DJing firsthand. Ideal for beginners, travelers, or anyone looking for a quick, expert-guided session. 🔥🎛️
Just visiting Tulum? 🌴 Our 1-hour intro DJ session is perfect for travelers and out-of-town guests who want a hands-on experience in our studio. Whether you’re curious about DJing, looking to test professional equipment, or just want a fun, unforgettable experience, this session gives you a taste of the decks with expert guidance. No long-term commitment—just pure music and good vibes. 🎧🔥
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
OMAR LABASTIDA
Founder & Executive General Director
A key figure in the underground electronic music scene, Omar Labastida is a DJ, producer, and mentor with over two decades of experience. Known for his signature groove-driven sets, he has played at top venues worldwide, sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in house and tech house.
As Owner of Downtown Tulum Radio, Omar curates the station’s music direction and leads the DTR DJ Academy, where he trains the next generation of DJs in both digital and vinyl formats. His passion for music extends beyond the decks, fostering a community-driven space for artists to grow.
Omar’s expertise and dedication have helped shape Downtown Tulum Radio into a respected hub for underground music, attracting international talent and creating a platform where DJs can elevate their craft and expand their reach. Whether through live performances, mentoring students, or producing tracks, his commitment to the scene continues to influence and inspire artists worldwide.
Joanne is a DJ, entrepreneur, and author who transitioned from corporate success to pursue her passion for music. She built multiple businesses, traveled globally as a speaker and mentor, and wrote “Beyond Fear,” a book on resilience and how house music saved her life.
As a Director of Downtown Tulum Radio, Joanne oversees business operations, artist, client and promoter relations, and serves as the station’s lead interview host, engaging with top DJs from around the world. Mentored by Omar Labastida, she quickly advanced in her DJ career, performing at Miami Music Week, Las Vegas, Toronto, Ibiza, and top venues across the Mayan Riviera.
Joanne teaches the introductory DJ course at DTR DJ Academy, helping new DJs find their identity in the sound. Passionate about music and community, she is committed to empowering artists and keeping the underground scene alive. Joanne’s mission is to connect, empower, and inspire through sound, originality and storytelling.
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JOANNE
Director of Creative Strategy & DevOps
VINYL MATTERS...
Our academy is proud to be one of the few in the world that offers dedicated vinyl DJ classes, preserving the art and heritage of DJing.
LEARNING ON VINYL IS CRUCIAL FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
Foundation of DJing:
Vinyl is the original medium for DJs, requiring precision, focus, and skill to master.
Improved Technique:
Training on vinyl sharpens your beat-matching skills, sharpens your beat-matching skills, enhances your ear for music, and builds a deeper connection with your tracks.
Industry Credibility:
DJs who know vinyl stand out, earning respect for their dedication to mastering the fundamentals.
Creative Expression:
Mixing on vinyl pushes you to be more creative and intuitive, as you rely solely on your hands and ears to control the sound.
At Downtown Tulum Radio DJ Academy, you'll develop a solid foundation that will elevate your artistry and prepare you for any format or stage.
Jessica Walkmand
From the very first moment I started with Omar Labastida, I was very excited having genuine admiration for his career and name, and being part of Downtown Tulum Radio represented a very important step in my career.
Omar always made me feel at ease, allowing me to express any doubts by fostering open communication.
His classes focused more on practice than theory, which allowed me to learn in a direct
and dynamic way. They were also always accompanied by conversations about music
and anecdotes that reflected his journey. His passion for vinyl deeply inspired me, completely transforming the way I perceive music.
To this day, I continue to learn from him. He has been a key guide in training my ear, honing my skills, and continuing to move forward. His patience, charisma, and that big smile that always accompanies him have made this experience invaluable
Sergio Segura
The experience of playing vinyl records is truly special. It is an art that deeply connects you to the essence of music, especially under the guidance of an instructor like Omar Labastida. His precise knowledge and ability to teach clearly and passionately make the learning process both technical and emotional.
Omar not only provides you with the necessary tools to understand and master the art of vinyl but also inspires you to connect with your inner self, achieving a harmony between music and the purest feelings of the heart. It’s an experience that transcends the technical and becomes something profoundly personal and transformative.
Brian W.
As someone with a background in music and some prior DJ experience, I wanted to deepen my skills and, most importantly, learn the art of playing on vinyl. Vinyl DJing is a timeless craft, a lost art that holds a special place in the history of music. It was important to me to learn how to DJ the right way and truly connect with the roots of the craft.
Under the mentorship of Omar Labastida, a DJ and producer I deeply admire, I was able to refine my abilities and gain a new appreciation for the art of DJing. Omar’s extensive experience and passion for music shine through in every lesson. His guidance is not only clear and methodical but also inspiring, as he encourages you to explore the emotional and creative aspects of DJing.
What I found most rewarding was learning to blend the tactile feel of vinyl with a deeper connection to the music, creating an authentic and immersive DJ experience. This course, led by Omar, is not just about developing technical skills—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and artistry of music. For anyone looking to elevate their craft and learn from one of the best, I cannot recommend this experience enough.