Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Wallace.
Anna, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My background is in operatic singing, I studied classical music in college but my main focus has always been writing my own songs and teaching voice lessons. I have been playing in bands and writing my own music since I was a teenager.
After college, I took a position teaching Music History at a university. This further allowed me to pursue my studies and gave me the space to start researching Jamaican sound engineers like King Tubby and Lee Scratch Perry. That eventually led to learning about DJing, looping, sampling, etc. It was like a whole world opened up to me.
I had heard about Baby DJ School happening in NYC and was immediately intrigued. I had been a licensed Kindermusik educator in the past and I felt like this was a perfect fit for me. Long story short, I trained with the CEO and genius, Natalie Elizabeth Weiss and I was the first person to bring Baby DJ School to the west coast. It has been a blast!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been normal challenges that come with starting any business such as worrying about filling classes, wondering how to do PR, start-up costs, etc. I was lucky enough to initially offer classes at Amoeba Music in Hollywood and this incredible store in Santa Monica called Books and Cookies, which is now a mobile truck. These places already had loyal followers and a customer base that was immediately interested in Baby DJ School!
Every class during an 8 week Baby DJ School session is filled with exciting moments but nothing is more fulfilling than seeing the kids faces light up when they get to play with my portable record player and vinyl. It continues to be so special for me to not only see how happy it makes the kids but how happy the parents are to see their kids so happy, too!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Baby DJ School LA – what should we know?
Baby DJ School is a research-based music program where babies and toddlers learn how to DJ and explore DJ culture in order to accelerate their development. The classes are typically 8 weeks long and include original music like house, hip-hop, jungle, etc. All classes are fun and educational and include dancing, bubbles and hands-on experience with my equipment.
In addition to teaching classes, I also DJ private events and birthday parties. I also teach private DJ lessons to kids 6 and up, which has been so much fun!
It goes without saying that it is a great time right now for kids to learn about these concepts, especially since they are learning so early to swipe and operate iPhones. Electronic music is the new folk music in a sense for our time, it is time to educate these kids about it!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It is all about the attitude and the approach. First and foremost, this is about educating kids and it should be fun and positive! I always remind myself about that and it really helps put that good, synergistic energy out there.
Pricing:
- 8 week Baby DJ School sessions start at $200. Trial classes are available for $30.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.babydjschoolla.com
- Email: anniewonder@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babydjschool.la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babydjschoolla/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BabyDjSchoolLA
- Other: www.djanniewonder.com, www.holypinkmusic.com
Image Credit:
Howl and Rose Photography
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