VJ Foundations
Your first clear map of live visuals — in one day. For DJs, musicians, designers and curious beginners — leave with a plan for your first real set.

Time
1 day
Format
Live online
Level
Start from zero
Price
£149
Walk out able to.
- Choose your first VJ software
- Spec a beginner laptop rig
- Build content that plays reliably
- Map a MIDI controller
- Plan your first live set
The setlist.
- Live visuals basics
- Software map
- Gear and computers
- Media servers
- Codecs and content
- First-show workflow
Full curriculum — every module, demo & prep list
A — Live visuals basics
What VJing is, common event types, signal flow and the difference between creative and technical responsibilities. Where live visuals happen, what different roles do and how a small setup grows into a show system.
B — Software map
A practical overview of Resolume, TouchDesigner, MadMapper, VDMX, Millumin and OBS, with simple use cases and beginner-friendly examples.
C — Gear and computers
Laptops, GPUs, outputs, capture cards, projectors, LED screens, PC vs Mac and sensible beginner setups — what matters for a first rig and what can wait.
D — Media servers
What media servers are, why they are used on larger shows and when a beginner should start learning about them.
E — Codecs and content
File formats, codec basics, resolution, frame rate and how to prepare loops and content packs that play reliably live.
F — First-show workflow
How to move from an idea to a small content pack, a test setup and your first simple performance — plus common mistakes to avoid. Controllers: how MIDI helps, what to map first and how to perform without overcomplicating the rig.
Live demos during the day
- A simple Resolume deck vs a mapping-focused workflow.
- The same clip exported with different codecs and settings.
- A basic laptop-to-projector and laptop-to-LED signal path.
- Mapping useful controls to MIDI: trigger, opacity, effects, BPM.
- Building a small content pack: loops, stills, logos, tests, backups.
Before you come
You can join with no experience. To follow the demos closely, bring:
- A Mac or Windows laptop from the last few years.
- Resolume Avenue or Arena installed — the free trial is fine.
- A few video clips, images or music tracks you like.
- A MIDI controller if you already own one (useful, not required).
- A notebook for your personal beginner path and buying decisions.
Tools you’ll meet.
- Resolume
- TouchDesigner
- MadMapper
- VDMX
- Millumin
- OBS
- MIDI control
You only need a laptop — free trials cover the day.
TD
Taught by Tom Dziedziejko — former Senior Trainer EMEA at Disguise, teaching live-visual crews across Europe.
Good questions.
Do I need experience?
None. The course starts from zero and ends with your personal next-step plan.
What should I bring?
A recent Mac or Windows laptop with the free Resolume trial, plus a few clips or tracks you like. A MIDI controller helps but is not required.
Is it hands-on?
Theory plus live demos — follow along on your own laptop and leave with a working starter checklist.
What is the refund policy?
Live dates, availability, payment and cancellation terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
What students say.
Really enjoyed the training — very practical and straight to the point. You can tell it’s based on real experience, not just theory.
— James W.
Great sessions with loads of useful, real-world examples. Everything was explained clearly and in a way that actually makes sense on the job.
— Sarah M.
One of the better trainings I’ve attended. Relaxed atmosphere, but still very professional and packed with valuable knowledge.
— Daniel R.
What I liked most was the hands-on approach. No unnecessary fluff — just solid, practical skills you can use straight away.
— Emily T.
Very knowledgeable trainer who knows the industry inside out. The training felt relevant, engaging, and genuinely helpful.
— Michael B.
Ready to start?
Indicative price: £149. No live cohort date is currently announced; ask about private online training or join the cohort waitlist.