Learn how to DJ with Traktor: Explore beginner and intermediate
courses from Crossfader

Traktor is a DJ powerhouse. From its robust track analysis and beat-matching capabilities to advanced features like remix decks and stem control, Traktor empowers DJs to seamlessly blend tracks, experiment with effects, and deliver dynamic performances.

And now, Crossfader is offering beginner and intermediate Traktor courses, opening up new pathways for aspiring and developing DJs.

• Free classes: Two free classes courtesy of Crossfader that cover how to set hot cues and how to use advanced FX in Traktor
• Beginner course: Covers the basics of Traktor, from setup to essential mixing techniques
• Intermediate course: Designed for DJs who want to level up their skills, exploring advanced mixing techniques and creative DJing

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for ways to improve your existing skills, these courses will help you become a better DJ.

You can also get 35% off Crossfader’s Traktor courses using code CFTRAKTOR from March 21–28.

We interviewed the Crossfader course instructors to gain insights into their teaching methods and how their professional DJ experience shapes the curriculum.

What are your goals for these Traktor courses? What do you hope students will achieve by the end of the program?

Our goal with these Traktor courses is simple: to turn people with a passion for music into DJs who have the toolset to play with music. Whether a student is opening Traktor for the first time or wants to unlock its deeper creative tools, we’ve designed a structured learning path that ensures they can mix fluently, perform creatively, and fully understand their setup.

By the end of the program, students will not only know how to use Traktor but also how to think like a DJ. That means understanding track selection, timing, phrasing, effects, and performance tricks that elevate their mixes. We want them to feel in control, not just of the software but of their overall sound and style.

How would you describe your teaching style? What makes the Crossfader approach unique or effective?

At Crossfader, we teach DJing like building with Lego – it’s not just about individual bricks (or buttons and features) but about understanding how they interlock to build something complete and dynamic.

We show students how each tool – like beatmatching, loops, effects, and mixing techniques – acts as a building block. These fundamental elements may seem separate at first, but when combined in different ways, they create entirely new possibilities in a DJ set.

Then, we guide them through different combinations, demonstrating how the same foundational techniques can be used in various ways to achieve different creative outcomes. Just like in Lego, where the same set of bricks can be assembled into countless designs, DJing is about using core techniques to craft unique and expressive mixes.

Traktor is a powerful platform, but it can feel complex at first. We simplify it by breaking things down into real-world workflows, helping students connect features in a way that makes sense.

How has your team’s experience as DJs influenced your approach to teaching Traktor?

Our team isn’t just made up of instructors – we’re DJs first. We were real resident DJs, working six nights a week and playing a wide range of genres and styles. This constant adaptation taught us invaluable on-the-job knowledge that we now pass on to our students. We’ve played in clubs, on radio, at festivals, and we’ve experienced the real challenges DJs face. That means we don’t just teach “textbook” techniques – we teach what actually works in live settings.

For Traktor, that’s crucial. It’s one of the most innovative DJ platforms, and knowing how to use its features effectively can unlock incredible creative potential. We’ve been in the DJ industry for over 15 years and have grown alongside the technology. We started DJing before controllers and powerful software features were the norm, honing our skills on traditional setups.

As the industry evolved, we embraced new innovations like HID mode and Traktor’s controllers, integrating them into our live sets throughout the last decade. This hands-on experience allows us to teach students how to blend new tools into their DJ workflow seamlessly.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are just starting out, especially those interested in using Traktor?

1. Master the fundamentals before chasing complexity. Traktor has some of the most powerful features in any DJ software, but it’s easy to get lost in them. First, focus on learning beatmatching, phrasing, and track selection. Effects, stem separation, and looping are tools to enhance your mixes, but the foundation is key.
2. Listen to music. Focus on understanding what makes up a song – the elements, sounds, sections, and phrases throughout. Notice the changes in energy, the instruments introduced, and how tracks are structured. Developing this deep musical awareness will make it easier to shape your workflow and use Traktor’s features to enhance your mixing rather than overcomplicate it.
3. Practice in real-world scenarios. Don’t just mix in isolation. Record your sets, play for friends, and experiment with different genres. The best way to grow as a DJ is to step outside your comfort zone and put yourself in situations where you have to react, adapt, and perform.
4. Be aware of what makes Traktor unique. Traktor stands out for its Remix Decks, its deep customizability, and its powerful effects. While it’s important not to focus on these advanced features too early, being aware of their potential will help shape your journey. Understanding how Traktor allows for creative manipulation beyond traditional DJing – whether through live remixing, effect layering, or customized mappings – will give you a strong foundation to grow into its full capabilities over time.
5. Finally, enjoy the process. DJing should be fun, expressive, and creative. With Traktor, you’ve got a powerful toolset – so dive in, explore, and make it your own.

Start leveling up your DJ skills

We want to thank the team at Crossfader for sharing how they approach teaching DJing with Traktor and what skills they recommend DJs work on to improve their skills. No matter what your skill level is, there’s no better time to learn something new.

Start learning