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DJ mixing board and headphonesWelcome to the Hip Hop Studies program at the UNC Community Music School!

“Hip-hop…has been the proverbial key that’s opened the door for me to roam this breathtaking planet.”
― Raquel Cepeda, Bird of Paradise: How I Became Latina

Private Beat Making Lessons with Joseph Latterner CLOSED

Get an introductory hands-on study of the composition of electronic instrumental tracks for hip-hop and dance music. Students make beats, learn about the history and culture of the art form, and examine beat making as a case study in entrepreneurship.

  • Ages: 5 and up. Adults welcome.
  • Special Software Needed: Reason Intro (other beat making software accepted on case by case basis)
  • Class Time: 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons available
  • Tuition: $65/hour

Private DJ Lessons with DJ A-Minor

Beginner students can expect to finish their lessons with the ability to set up, break down and operate DJ equipment and software and physically manipulate music. They will also learn basic mixing, programming, playlisting, song structure and a few basic record/platter movements. Students with more experience will learn more advanced record movements and beginning to mid-level scratches, along with a few advanced/trick mixing techniques. All students at all levels will complete their lessons by recording a live mix.

  • Ages: 5 and up. Adults welcome.
  • Students should have access to one of the following:
    • turntables and a mixer (DVS software and necessary equipment -OR- records)
    • CDJs and a mixer (DVS software and necessarey equipment -OR- CDs -OR- flash drives with music loaded on them)
    • Any type of DJ controller and accompanying software
  • Class Time: 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons available
  • Tuition: $65/hour

Private MC Lessons “The Art of the MC” with Kevin “Rowdy” Rowsey

This one on one Hip Hop course will explore the aspects of writing, performing, and improvisation to help you become an expert in the field of rap music. By the end of each session students will be able to cultivate skills that will allow them to become more dominant in not only the world of Hip Hop, but also public speaking and live performance in a way that highlights their authentic and individualized story. When it comes to Hip Hop Culture any personal truth can be the foundation on being an expert MC. Kevin “Rowdy” Rowsey is a Hip Hop performer, educator, and community activist that has been featured on BET, NPR, and PBS Kids, and lives by the mantra that anybody that wants to rap can learn to do so.

  • Ages: 5 and up. Adults welcome.
  • Class Time: 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons available
  • Tuition: $65/hour