$50 p/h, usually about three hours
I was happy.
There is absolutely no substitute for practice in a live environment though. Hardest part is reading the crowd. Beatmixing isn't hard to learn (though it can be very frustrating when you are just starting out). Once you get the hang of it, it's super easy ever after.
Nearly every DJ can beatmix fine. The best DJs can read the crowd and tap into that hidden vibe that is driving everyone on the dance floor - once you get a feel for that you can play tune after tune and have people going wild to every song. It's like a sixth sense.
Start by trying to make mixes that get your friends hyped, because it should be easier for you to pick what they'll like etc, and gradually ease yourself into less familiar environments. The gig I had in the city had a fairly regular crowd - working class, usually fairly drunk, just out to have a good time and maybe pick up - so they were relatively easy to play to most weeks. Top DJs need to be able to play anywhere and so have to learn to adapt to the crowd very very quickly.
