Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions:
How can I be sure that School of Scratch is for me?
I recommend sampling my tutorials, which you can do by singing up to receive 2 free tutorials here:
These sample tutorials will give you a feel for how I teach and if it feels like a good fit for you. If you can follow along with those tutorials and are willing to try out what I show you, then you have a very good chance of making progress.
Do you have any student testimonials?
Yes, you can view our testimonials page here
I am a complete beginner, can School of Scratch help me?
You are the reason School of Scratch was created! Complete beginners are catered to and we have a 100 day starter program you can work through so you can start enjoying the art of scratching. Our community is super supportive and encouraging. We all know what it feels like to be new at this!
What equipment do I need?
Course 1 – “Equipment Needed” walks you through the equipment you need to enjoy scratching. Put simply, you need: A turntable with cartridge and stylus, mixer, slipmat and some vinyl to scratch with. If you would like to know more, download my Scratch DJ Equipment Guide. You’ll also need an internet connection to log into the School and watch the videos and interact in the community.
You scratch hamster and with your right hand on the crossfader, but I scratch regular and / or with my other hand on the fader. Can I still learn and benefit?
Absolutely! Scratching can be broken down into moving the record backwards and forwards whilst opening and closing the crossfader. Simply take these principles and apply it to whichever hand you use on the crossfader, hamster or regular. We have many regular students in the School and I break down the techniques in terms of open and closed fader movements to make it simple for regular style fader students.
I use a controller, not turntables + a mixer. Can I benefit from the lessons?
YES! I mainly teach using turntables and vinyl DVS AND I also have 17 lessons teaching the basics on a Reloop Beatpad 2 controller, using Algoriddim djay 2 software. Scratching with digital controllers is totally possible, the only difference is it feels a little different than using vinyl, because often the platters don’t spin and are so much smaller. Many controllerists use my tutorials and adapt the basic principles to their digital setup. The art of scratching is really about moving the platters backwards and forwards and turning the crossfader off and on. It’s only the finer subtleties of the moving platter that are missing when you use a controller. I also recommend watching the free tutorial on this page above to see if you can apply the principles to the specific controller you are using. Both vinyl heads and controllerists are welcome in the school! Many of us use both.
Aren’t there free scratch tutorial videos on YouTube I can watch and learn from?
Yes AND the School of Scratch is a dedicated place to learn from professionally recorded, high quality videos, in an order that makes the most sense. You won’t have to search to find what’s next or piece together incomplete information. We have a complete curriculum you can follow step by step. You’ll also benefit from being in our positive community who will support your scratch journey. After all, scratching is so much more than just techniques!
Do you cover advanced techniques?
Yes we do! From the Boomerang to all flavours of the Autobahn scratches and advanced combos, there is something for everyone. All levels are welcome! If you are advanced – I recommend checking my DJcity combos which combine all of the advance level scratches, the QnA section where you can jam along. Learning and inspiration is possible at every level, we got you covered!
Is there any minimum commitment or lock-in on the monthly membership?
No, absolutely not. You can cancel anytime. If you need to take a break and leave at any time you can. You are also welcome back at any time!
Who is School of Scratch for?
School of Scratch is probably a good fit for you if:
- You are happy to follow along with online video tutorials and willing to put in some practice.
- You are willing to take your time and work through the lessons
Who is School of Scratch not for?
School of Scratch probably isn’t for you if:
- You want one on one tuition or someone to give you immediate feedback on your technique.
- You want individual feedback on your videos.
- You struggled to follow along with the sample tutorials
- You are unwilling to practice
- You expect immediate results or are in a rush – this is a musical artform and like playing any instrument, it takes time to develop.
How long will it take me to make progress?
Like learning any skill, it really depends on how much you choose to study and practice. I have created a beginner 100 Days of practice program for new students to guide you through through learning 10 fundamental scratch techniques and creating a regular practice routine. Students who have been taking part in this program are making consistent progress and tell me that it has been really helpful.
What if I have a general question about a tutorial, technique or practice approach?
Students can ask these types of questions in the community forum or Discord Server and Emma will point them in a direction.
Will Emma give me personal feedback on my scratch videos in the School as part of my membership?
No, this is not a part of the School of Scratch Membership and it is not a service that Emma offers.
Does Emma offer private one on one scratch lessons?
No, Emma does not offer private DJ lessons in person or online.
Is there anything else I need to know?
I have done my best to outline what the School is here and if you have any other questions, please ask me here:
I have another question…
If you do not see the answer to your question above, please email them to hello@schoolofscratch.com and you will receive a reply.