But is it Music?
You may think that anyone can play two records together but you could be wrong. Most DJs combine sophisticated technical and musical know-how with lots and lots of practice. If you are under pressure to buy your teenager a set of decks that doesn't mean they have to give up on a more traditional instrument. Learning to use a set of decks can complement other musical activity. Practising rhythms on turntables can support rhythmic learning and coordination on any other instrument.

Musically speaking, DJs must have a perfect grasp of rhythm to select records that will mix well. Then they must decide where two songs go together best. They can change the tempo of the record and cut bits of one tune into another, alternating until only the second record is playing before mixing in a third.

For Dougee Dimensional, international DJ, it seemed a natural progression from eight years of the trumpet. He says: "Decks become like an instrument and DJing is an outlet for musical ideas.''

Scratching is another aspect of DJing. You use fingers to stop and start a record, moving it back and forth to create a 'scratching' improvised percussion.

Plus One is the World Scratching Champion. He says: "The DJing thing is really contemporary. In the 60s, kids wanted to play guitar, now DJing is the new rock star phenomenon. With scratching, you really are using other music to create new music and it's completely percussive."

Then there are the MCs (Masters of Ceremony or Mike Controllers) who 'shout' over the music using rhythmic speech patterns, repeating words and phrases that are completely improvised over the mixing.

DMC World was the first DJ-only record label. Tony Prince, its founder says: "Anything which requires musicianship, rhythm and originality classifies as an art form."

Things to Think About Before You Buy

The Cost:
Good decks are expensive (though they do retain their re-sale value) and cheap ones are hard to use and frustrating. Keeping up with the latest vinyl (that's what records are called these days) can be costly.

The Noise
For some reason decks can only be played loud - very loud. Headphones are little help in practice. The reason is that DJs use headphones to keep track of what is about to be played into the mix while listening to the current track over the speakers.

The Prospects
A handful of big name DJs do make big bucks. "Top UK and USA DJs are now asking £15,000 pounds per night," says Tony Prince

But even becoming a skilled DJ isn't a passport to instant riches. "For the first year, I didn't make any money" warns Dougee Dimensional.