OCCUPATION: MOBILE DISC JOCKEY

Name: David Byrd

Company: Invisible Touch, Orange

Thumbs up: “It’s great fun watching people enjoy themselves to their favorite music. We try to get everyone out on the dance floor at least once. There is constant exposure to new music, people and social situations. We go from heavy metal to big band in the course of a few hours. I also like helping people plan a really important event like a wedding, and making sure everything goes right.”

Thumbs down: “Most of the work is on weekends, and you have to be able to adjust to that.”

Next step: “Being a disc jockey is more than standing before a crowd playing music. It’s becoming more visual and participatory. So we are adding guest vocalists and karaoke to our act.”

Advice: “It’s very important to be open to all kinds of music, because tastes vary widely. In addition to knowing music, you have to be able to mix with people. Sometimes that means getting out and dancing with guests or asking for song requests. It takes a lot of energy to smile all day and keep the party going with your enthusiasm. It’s fun, but a great deal of effort goes into it for the party to go right.”

Salary range: Mobile disc jockeys in Orange County usually earn $20 to $40 an hour, depending on their level of experience. Most are employed by other independent disc jockeys who have purchased their own sound equipment and built a client base.

Hours: Disc jockeys work eight to 12 hours a day, an average of three days a week. Friday through Sunday are the busiest days, and disc jockeys are often required to handle more than one event a day. The period from April through September is the busiest time of year for weddings. December usually involves more weekday events because of office Christmas parties.

Educational and training requirements: Most mobile disc jockeys start with a broad knowledge of music and learn the trade from another disc jockey as an apprentice.

Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, about 230 people work as mobile disc jockeys.

Expected demand: Steady. Even in a tight economy, there are more mobile disc jockeys entering the field annually.

Job description: Mobile disc jockeys play music at nightclubs or at wedding receptions, in lieu of a band. If requested, they will also perform master of ceremony duties to keep an event on track. They bring their own sound equipment and CD or tape collections to provide guests with a wide range of music.

Major employing industries: Businesses, individuals, hotels, organizations and nightclubs.

For more information: Contact the American Disc Jockey Assn. (215) 675-9567.