Hip-Hop Writing and Production Course Added to Berkleemusic
September 14, 2005
Berkleemusic.com, the online extension
school of the renowned Berklee College of Music, has added Hip-Hop Writing
and Production to it's curriculum of composition and
production courses. Mike Hamilton, a Berklee grad and assistant
professor, is teaching the world's first online course devoted to this
global phenomenon that today generates hundreds of millions of dollars a
year worldwide in record sales.
"It's a privilege and a pleasure to share what I've learned," says
Hamilton. "By studying interactively to create striking hip-sound sounds
with the right effects, EQ, and mixing styles, I feel the graduates of
this course will have that critical edge over the competition."
Hamilton, who has been producing, writing, recording, and performing music
for over twenty years, was a member of the late night band for the BET
television show Live from LA, where he wrote and produced hip-hop pieces
for guest artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Warren G, Method Man, P.
Diddy, and Mystical.
Berkleemusic's course covers the techniques that hip-hop producers use to
create hit songs. The class focuses on writing and production
considerations unique to hip-hop-from its distinctive drum beats and bass
lines to its use of vocals, samples, and instrumentation. The course also
explores hip-hop's history and the artists responsible for growing the
genre into what it is today.
Students learn how to analyze and recreate different styles of hip-hop
music, and then use this foundation to produce songs using Propellerhead's
Reason software. Students study mic placement for rap vocals, develop drum
and bass grooves, build arrangements, and apply the techniques that lead
to complete hip-hop productions. The tools and strategies learned in this
course can be applied to the production of any musical style.
Fall semester online course begin on September 19. For more information, visit their web site at www.berkleemusic.com. |
