Rule #4 – Test your music before you perform.
There will usually be a tech rehearsal before the main event. Tech rehearsal is designed for performers to feel out the stage space, make sure their music sounds right, and possibly make some speed adjustments based on those two factors. I have seen countless performers come to tech rehearsal with their song on an ipod, and promise to bring the DJ a CD later on that night. That ruins the point of tech rehearsal! When you bring your music “for the DJ to play later”, you are setting yourself up for disaster. “Later” is usually during showtime, and this is not the time that you will be able to coordinate your speed and sound settings, because the DJ is focusing on the ongoing performances. Demonstrate your professionalism by coming to tech rehearsal with your music in the proper format, and you will be at ease knowing that your performance will sound exactly the same way later that evening.