Today we’d like to introduce you to Alena Kozhevnikova.
Hi Alena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Miami DJ Academy started with a simple idea: DJ education should be practical, supportive, and accessible to everyone—not just aspiring club DJs.
I’ve been DJing professionally for over 16 years, performing at clubs, luxury hotels, corporate events, and private celebrations. Throughout my career, people constantly asked me where they could learn to DJ without feeling intimidated. I realized there was a gap in the market for personalized, hands-on training that focused on real-world skills rather than just theory.
I launched Miami DJ Academy during the pandemic, starting with private lessons in my apartment. As demand grew, we opened our own studio in Miami. Today, we’ve trained over 3,000 students of all ages and backgrounds—from complete beginners and hobbyists to entrepreneurs, musicians, and aspiring professionals.
What makes us different is that we don’t just teach people how to mix music—we help them gain the confidence to perform. Our students have the opportunity to play at real events across Miami, from brand openings and networking events to luxury venues, giving them experience that goes far beyond the classroom.
Looking back, the biggest lesson has been that building a business is about much more than technical expertise. It’s about creating a community, staying resilient through challenges, and continuously finding new ways to help people achieve goals they never thought were possible. Seeing our students perform their first live set is still the most rewarding part of what we do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Miami DJ Academy started with a simple idea: DJ education should be practical, supportive, and accessible to everyone—not just aspiring club DJs.
However, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Launching during the pandemic came with obvious challenges—uncertainty, limited in-person interaction, and the need to quickly adapt to changing restrictions. Starting out of my apartment meant working with limited space and resources, and building credibility as a new academy required a lot of persistence and trust-building.
Another challenge was shifting people’s perception of DJing as something only for nightlife professionals. Many potential students felt intimidated or unsure if they could learn, so a big part of the journey has been breaking down those barriers and creating a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
As the academy grew, scaling the business brought its own set of hurdles—managing operations, maintaining quality instruction, and building a strong team while staying true to our original vision. Balancing the creative side of DJing with the demands of running a business has also been a learning curve.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has helped shape the academy into what it is today. The struggles pushed us to innovate, stay resilient, and focus even more on building a supportive community where students feel confident and inspired to grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Miami DJ Academy, we specialize in helping complete beginners become confident DJs through personalized, one-on-one training. Our programs are designed for everyone—from hobbyists and music lovers to aspiring professionals—without requiring any prior musical experience.
What we’re best known for is our hands-on approach. We don’t believe people learn by watching videos or memorizing theory alone. From the very first lesson, our students are behind professional Pioneer DJ equipment, learning the skills they need to perform in real-life situations.
I’m especially proud that we’ve built more than a DJ school—we’ve built a community. Whenever possible, we help our students gain real performance experience at networking events, luxury venues, brand activations, and private events throughout Miami. Seeing someone who had never touched DJ equipment perform confidently in front of a crowd after completing our program is incredibly rewarding.
What truly sets us apart is that we focus on outcomes, not just education. We provide individualized coaching in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment, keep our classes intentionally small, and emphasize practical experience over theory. Every student learns at their own pace, and our goal is not just to teach them how to mix music, but to give them the confidence and opportunities to continue their DJ journey long after they graduate.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was naturally curious, creative, and determined. When I was 6 years old I was collecting cassettes and I built a significant collection of different artists. I share it with my friends and recorded from one cassette to another. Then I did the same with CD and eventually internet. I always loved music and was fascinated by the way it could bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. At the same time, I was ambitious and enjoyed challenging myself by learning new skills and pushing beyond my comfort zone.
I’ve always believed that hard work can open doors. Whether it was mastering a new craft, building relationships, or starting a business from scratch, I was never afraid to put in the effort to achieve my goals.
I also enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and learning from their experiences, which is something that continues to inspire me today. That curiosity eventually led me to travel, explore different cultures, and build a career that combines creativity, entrepreneurship, and education.
Looking back, I think the qualities that defined me as a child—persistence, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help others—are the same qualities that shaped Miami DJ Academy. They continue to motivate me every day as I help students discover new passions and gain the confidence to pursue them.
Pricing:
- 10-hour individual course $1850
- 12-hour semi private group course
- One hour individual lesson $199
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miamidjacademy.com
- Instagram: Djacademymiami
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@miamidjacademy?si=inJqCIzZVbPCASSz
