Minneapolis-based artist Dj Piecemeal is best known for his genre-bending sets. Steeped in hip-hop and nerd culture, Dj Piecemeal strives to push the classification of how a DJ should look and sound. From livestreams, live performances and community events, Dj Piecemeal strives to create a memorable and in-the-moment soundscape for his listeners.
Teaching Artist Statement
As a hip hop-based turntablist and music producer, my work is rooted in the transformative power of rhythm, culture, and connection. I view DJing not only as a technical craft but as a language—one that speaks across generations, backgrounds, and barriers. My mission is to demystify the art form, breaking down the complexities of turntablism and music production into accessible, engaging components that empower others to find their own voice.
Community is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m performing, teaching, or collaborating, I strive to create inclusive spaces where creativity can thrive. I believe that everyone has a rhythm, a story, and a unique sound waiting to be discovered. My educational approach centers on identifying individual passions and using them as the foundation for musical exploration. By aligning creative expression with personal interests, I help students build authentic relationships with the music they make.
Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on experience, I aim to cultivate not just skills, but confidence, ownership, and a sense of belonging. Hip hop has always been a tool for storytelling, resistance, and unity, and I’m committed to honoring that legacy by using my platform to inspire, educate, and uplift.
Turntablism is more than a performance, it’s a practice of listening, responding, and building together. That’s the spirit I bring to every project, every student, and every beat.
Program Offerings
Workshops
Scratching the Surface: Turntablism for Everyone
Turntablism for Everyone breaks down the essential techniques of DJing into easy, engaging, and interactive activities designed to connect people of all backgrounds and skill levels with the art of turntablism and Dj’ing through the self-expression of sound. This workshop is perfect for youth, adults, beginners, and aspiring DJs alike. (Duration 1 – 3 sessions)
Scratch the Past, Spin the Future (Justice Arts)
Scratch the Past, Spin the Future introduces participants to the fundamentals of turntablism and DJ culture in a hands-on, creative, and supportive environment. Centered around self-expression, storytelling, and rhythm, this workshop uses music as a tool for reflection, connection, and healing. Whether participants are currently incarcerated, recently released, or looking to re-invent themselves, the program offers an opportunity to reclaim voice and identity through sound.
This workshop is structured around three progressive modules that guide participants from reflection to expression to performance. (Duration 1 – 3 sessions)
Performances
A Night to Remember: Senior Prom (Artful Aging)
“A Night to Remember” is a prom-inspired DJ performance designed for senior centers and memory care communities, using music to spark joy, memory, and connection. With a carefully curated playlist of classics from the 1940s through the 1970s. Spanning big band, Motown, doo-wop, and early rock ’n’ roll—this interactive experience recreates the feeling of a special night out. Residents are invited to sing along, dance (seated or standing), or simply enjoy the familiar sounds of their youth. Blending music with storytelling and gentle commentary, the performance creates space for reflection, shared memories, and emotional engagement—honoring the powerful connection between sound, identity, and the moments that shaped us.
Soundtrack to You
Let’s create a soundtrack to your next event! From fundraisers, community gatherings, and corporate events, I offer a high-energy, interactive experience that brings people together through music. Blending the art of turntablism with a deep understanding of crowd dynamics, each set is tailored to the audience, whether it’s setting the mood for a gala, energizing a block party, or providing a unique soundtrack for a company celebration. With seamless transitions, live scratching, and genre-spanning selections that fit your event, these performances create a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that keeps people engaged, dancing, and connected. Perfect for events seeking both entertainment and a memorable cultural element.
