Your Shot DJ Academy Empowers Homeless, Deaf & Disabled with Dream-Making Beats

Your Shot DJ Academy breaks barriers by offering DJ training and competition to the homeless, deaf, and disabled, empowering dreams through music.

When was the last time you felt music truly move you? For hundreds of participants in the 2025 Your Shot DJ Academy & Competition, music was not just sound—it became a lifeline, a passion, and a gateway to community. Imagine stepping behind a DJ deck for the first time, regardless of your background or challenges, and finding a whole new world waiting. That’s the magic Your Shot brings to life: democratizing DJ culture for the homeless, deaf, and disabled.

Breaking Down Barriers: Your Shot’s Mission

Your Shot isn’t your average DJ school. It’s a movement rooted in opening doors where there were none before. The program empowers young people—whether they’ve never touched a turntable or come from the margins of society—to learn, perform, and connect. It’s about more than music; it’s about social inclusion, accessibility, and building a support system that uplifts.

“Your Shot is about giving people a platform to challenge themselves, learn the basics, build a community outside their bedrooms, and take their passion for DJing and dance music to the next level. That’s what young Americans are asking for today, just like young Australians, and it’s so exciting to finally be able to answer the call.” – Steve Pillemer, Founder and CEO of Your Shot

From Down Under to the States: A Global Movement

Originally launched in Australia and New Zealand, Your Shot has crossed oceans to the United States, planting roots in New York and Los Angeles. The LA finale was nothing short of epic, drawing more than 4,000 attendees across two days—the biggest crowd ever seen at the iconic Catch One venue.

The 2025 winner from LA, Ashley Wilkins—aka DJ Jelly Bean—is a 29-year-old Santa Clarita resident who splits her time between consulting wellness clinics and spinning dubstep and bass music at night. Her journey echoes the transformative power of Your Shot. Many past winners have ascended to major international festival stages like CRSSD in the U.S., Hideout in Croatia, BPM in Costa Rica, and even Snowbombing in Austria.

Artists who have found fame through this program include globally recognized names like Tigerlily, Sippy, and Go Freek—proof that Your Shot is a launchpad for real talent.

Electric energy fills the stage as winners celebrate their journey.

Stories Behind the Decks: A Tapestry of Courage

The 2025 competition showcased over 500 contestants from New York and LA, each bringing a powerful story:

• Deaf participants learning to DJ through vibrations and rhythm
• A contestant experiencing homelessness who found stability through music
• A one-armed participant mastering adaptive DJ techniques
• A recovering alcoholic channeling transformation into performance art
• A mother-daughter duo sharing their love for the decks as family
• Ex-military participants reconnecting and healing through sound
• Single parents chasing their dreams while supporting their families

This mosaic of backgrounds is a testament to Your Shot’s mission: community, accessibility, and transformation through music.

Industry Pros Guide the Next Generation

Your Shot doesn’t just throw people behind turntables—it’s supported by a powerhouse of industry advisors. Among them are:

• LP Giobbi, producer, instrumentalist, DJ, and co-founder of FEMME HOUSE
• Harvey Cohen, President at Live Nation’s Vibee
• The Circuit Group, management for heavyweights like deadmau5, Anabel Englund, Chris Lake, and FISHER

Their mentorship helps ensure participants don’t just learn skills but also navigate the music industry with confidence.

Focused and fierce, a DJ hones skills during the academy.

Moments Captured: A Visual Journey

The energy, passion, and community spirit of Your Shot is brilliantly captured through the lens of @brewcasa. These images tell stories words alone can’t:

Contestants and crowd unite in shared joy and rhythm.

Every beat counts as a DJ pours heart into performance.

Connecting through music, the community celebrates together.

Innovation meets passion as adaptive DJ techniques shine.

These snapshots bring alive the spirit of Your Shot’s inclusive and transformative mission.

Why Your Shot Matters

In a world where so many barriers can isolate people, Your Shot flips the script—turntables become instruments of empowerment and community. Whether it’s a Deaf DJ feeling the bass through vibrations or a recovering individual finding purpose, the program is a beacon of hope and inclusion.

This isn’t just about mixing tracks; it’s about mixing lives, stories, and dreams into a powerful collective beat.

Join the Beat: Keep the Dream Alive

Your Shot DJ Academy & Competition is more than an event—it’s a movement lighting up lives through music. As the beats drop and dreams rise, it’s clear that DJ culture has finally found its most inclusive stage yet.

FAQ

• Who can participate in Your Shot DJ Academy?
  Anyone, especially the homeless, deaf, disabled, and those traditionally excluded from DJ culture. Beginners welcome!
• Where did Your Shot DJ Academy begin?
  The movement started in Australia and New Zealand before expanding to the United States.
• What kind of support do participants receive?
  Mentorship from top industry professionals, adaptive techniques for disabilities, and a supportive community environment.
• Have past winners gone on to professional success?
  Yes, many have performed at major international festivals and built careers in the music industry.
• How does Your Shot promote accessibility?
  Through specialized training methods like vibration-based DJing and adaptive equipment to accommodate all abilities.

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