The Carolina Hip Hop Institute

May 20 – May 31, 2024

Students choose from one of three courses: MUSC 155 (Art & Culture of the DJ), MUSC 156 (Beat Making Lab), and MUSC 157 (Rap Lab), and earn three hours of college credit to satisfy VP (visual and performing arts) requirements. Instructors are experienced, professional artist-educators who will work with students to develop their artistry as well foster skills in entrepreneurship and conflict transformation through hip hop. Each class day has two parts: a focused session with individual teachers and, following a dinner break, jam sessions and discussions among the three classes. No audition is required, but students should be committed to learning or developing skills in rap, beatmaking, or deejaying; some experience is helpful but not required. The program will take place May 20 to May 31, 2024, meeting from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. The program draws its instructors, structure, and philosophy from the Next Level (https://www.nextlevel-usa.org/) international hip-hop exchange program developed at UNC and has conducted workshops in 30 countries since 2014. Please contact Prof. Mark Katz (mkatz@unc.edu) for more information.

Schedule

Each class day has two parts: a focused session with individual teachers and, following a dinner break, jam sessions and discussions among the three classes. A final concert will be held on the evening of June 14 to showcase the work of the students.

The program will take place May 20 to May 31, 2024, meeting from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Registration and Requirements

No audition is required, but students should be committed to learning or developing skills in rap, beatmaking, or dance; some experience is helpful but not required. Students must be enrolled in this Second Session course by May 15 although the start date is later.

MUSC 155 Art & Culture of the DJ (3)

An exploration of the important, often misunderstood role of the DJ in modern musical life, with particular attention to how DJing challenges traditional notions of music, musicianship, and musical instruments. Guest lectures, demonstrations, and tutorials by visiting DJs form a significant component of the course.

MUSC 156 Beat Making Lab (3)

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.

MUSC 157 Rap Lab (3)

An introductory hands-on study of the art of emceeing. Students engage in a rigorous lyricism curriculum, developing the skills to write, recite, and improvise lyrics in live and recorded settings. Students also explore the history of hip-hop culture and analyze the aesthetics of emcees from around the world.

Please contact Prof. Mark Katz (mkatz@unc.edu) for more information.