Active Listening as a DJ

The more I teach DJ art, the more I realize understanding how to count is the most under appreciated technique involved with this art form. The average DJ isn't rhythm ready and its hopeless in terms of becoming an above average DJ if you can't count beats. If you're a beginner, the best advice I have for you is develop your ability for ACTIVE LISTENING. The capacity to count beats, bars and phrases is more important than any "chirp flare" or "beat juggle" pattern you could ever learn. Instead of relying on the "DJing made easy" MP3 intro edits that perfectly start on a one, read a web article on the rhythm syllable system (1 - e - and - uh). Better yet, buy a book on music theory because after all, you're working with music.