04 / FOR PARENTS & CARERS
The details
parents need.
Designed for ages 12–16, including complete beginners. Young people from all backgrounds are welcome. No previous DJ or radio experience is needed.
We’re planning six Tuesday sessions in Milton Keynes, 4–5:30 pm, starting in January 2027. The exact dates, venue and equipment arrangements are still being finalised. Organiser, supervision and safeguarding details will be shared before booking opens.
Who it's forAges 12–16 · Beginners welcome
ProgrammeSix weekly 90-minute sessions
WhereMilton Keynes · Venue to be confirmed
Planned scheduleTuesdays, 4–5:30 pm · January 2027*
The finaleCompetition & showcase
Schools & youth groupsPartnership enquiries welcome
Got questions?
Start here.
Who is the first pilot for?
The first pilot is for young people aged 12–16, with enquiries and bookings handled by a parent or carer. Complete beginners are welcome.
How much does the six-week programme cost?
Pay £135 upfront for the full programme, or spread the cost across six weekly payments of £25 (£150 in total). Paying upfront saves £15. Both options cover the full six weeks; weekly payments are not drop-in bookings. Instalments are due on agreed dates. Missing a session does not automatically pause the plan. Payment dates and cancellation terms will be shared before bookings open.
Does my child need any DJ experience?
No. Your child can join without knowing anything about DJing. We’ll start with the basics and take it one step at a time.
Do we need to buy equipment?
The plan is to provide DJ and radio equipment during sessions, shared in small groups. Please wait for confirmed joining information before buying anything. We’ll explain what participants need to bring before booking.
What if my child is nervous about performing?
That’s OK. There’s time to practise with others before the final show. A parent or carer can talk to us about any worries or support needed before booking.
What happens if my child misses a session?
Please let us know if your child cannot attend. Their booking is for the full six-week programme, so missing a session does not automatically pause weekly instalments. If you need to cancel or discuss your circumstances, contact the organisers. The cancellation and refund terms will be shared before you book.
Will recordings be shared online?
Recordings remain private unless specific permissions and the necessary music rights allow sharing.
Will you offer music production?
Yes — a separate music production pilot for ages 13–17 is coming soon. Dates, session details and pricing are still to be confirmed. It is not included in the current six-week DJ and radio programme.
Will there be a group for ages 16–20?
After reviewing the first pilot, we hope to introduce a separate group for ages 16–20. It would speak directly to older young people and offer opportunities to develop their sound and presenting skills. This is a future plan: no sessions or dates are confirmed. Sixteen-year-olds are welcome in the current 12–16 pilot.
Can schools or youth groups get involved?
We welcome conversations about bringing DJing and radio skills to young people through schools and community groups. Choose the partnership option below to prepare an enquiry.
Who will run the sessions?
Deckstart Academy is co-led by a DJ and music producer active in the London scene who also presents on radio. We’ll share the full organiser and session leader information before booking opens, along with supervision and safeguarding arrangements.
When will the pilot run?
We’re planning six Tuesdays, 4–5:30 pm, starting in January 2027. This is provisional: the exact dates and venue will be confirmed before paid bookings open.
How do we book, and what safeguarding information is available?
Bookings are not open yet. Dates, venue, payment and cancellation terms, supervision and safeguarding arrangements will be shared before enrolment. Parents and carers should review these details before booking.
