Empowering the Next Wave of Philly DJs Through Education & Community
At Roots Picnic 2025, PhillyGoes2College had the chance to talk with DJ A West—a full-time special education teacher, longtime DJ, and the creator of a program helping young people develop confidence, skills, and career readiness through music.
Her story blends education, creativity, and youth empowerment, showing students what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Introducing Kids DJ Cafe: A Music Program for Students 7–17
DJ A West has been DJing for over 10 years, performing everywhere from community events to nightlife venues. But her biggest passion project is the Kids DJ Cafe, a program she created to teach youth:
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The fundamentals of DJing
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The business side of being a DJ
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How to turn a hobby into a possible career pathway
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Confidence, creativity, and leadership
Kids DJ Cafe runs traditional fall and spring semesters and supports students ages 7–17—making it one of the few structured DJ education programs for youth in the city.
Even better: with a new grant, DJ A West hopes to make the program free for families in the near future.
Accessible for Beginners—No Equipment Needed
For students who love music but don’t know where to start, DJ A West makes the pathway simple:
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The program costs $20/month (for now)
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Students don’t need their own equipment to begin
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As students grow, the program helps them find or purchase gear
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Families can join anytime by visiting the Kids DJ Cafe Instagram page
She encourages any young person with interest—even curiosity—to come take one class and try something new.
Her Journey: From Summer Hobby to a Teaching Mission
DJ A West didn’t start her DJ journey expecting to teach. As a teacher looking for a fun summer outlet, she discovered the now-closed Scratch DJ Academy in Philadelphia and took a chance on one class.
She fell in love immediately.
As her passion grew, something unexpected happened—her seven-year-old daughter saw her DJing and said, “Mom, I want to DJ too.”
That moment shifted everything. What began as a personal hobby became a multigenerational learning experience, and ultimately, a youth program.
A Deep Commitment to Education
Beyond the turntables, DJ A West is deeply rooted in education. Her academic journey includes:
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Community College of Philadelphia (Associate Degree in Communications)
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Chestnut Hill College (Bachelor of Science)
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University of Phoenix (MBA)
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Chestnut Hill College (Master’s in Education with a concentration in Special Education)
Her favorite college memories come from CCP, where small class sizes and close support systems helped hold her accountable and keep her on track.
She credits the school’s community and structure with shaping her both academically and personally.
Advice to Her High School Self—and Today’s Students
When asked what she would tell her high school self, DJ A West said:
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“Take the science classes.”
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“Push yourself even when it’s hard.”
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“Try everything—you won’t be great at everything, but you might find what you love.”
That mindset is exactly what eventually led her to DJing—something she never planned but grew to love.
Roots Picnic, Philly Pride, and Community Joy
For DJ A West, Roots Picnic feels like a family reunion—a place filled with joy, connection, and authenticity.
When asked what she loves most about Philadelphia, she didn’t hesitate:
“We’re real here.”
Her commitment to Philly youth and her belief in the city’s talent shine through everything she does—from teaching students with special needs to building creative spaces for young DJs.
How Families Can Get Connected
Students and parents looking to join Kids DJ Cafe can find more details and contact information here:
Instagram: @kzdjcafe
DJ A West: @dj_awest
Adult DJ Classes: Remix Room Philadelphia (scratch-and-sip sessions)
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW
Hear DJ A West’s full story from Roots Picnic 2025 and share it with a student who loves music:
