COURSE OVERVIEW
Learn the essentials of audio engineering within HIP HOP, R&B, TRAP & MORE in The Essentials of Hip-Hop: Audio Engineering Course. Designed for beginners and intermediate engineers, this program teaches you how to record, edit, tune, mix, and master hip-hop tracks with confidence.
Led by acclaimed engineer and producer MarLovace, you’ll dive into acoustics, microphones, EQs, dynamics, and signal routing while learning how to run 2-track and stem-based sessions from start to finish.
Train in Pro Tools and work on professional-grade consoles in an active, industry-level recording facility. By the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to excel in any studio environment—from home setups to high-end professional spaces..
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Acoustics & Gear Essentials – Master EQs, preamps, and compressors that shape modern hip-hop.
Microphone Techniques – Capture the best vocal performances with proper selection & placement.
Pro Tools Workflow – Learn shortcuts and create a personalized session template.
Recording & Mixing – Run three full sessions: 2-track recording, mixing, and full stems.
Hands-on with SSL Consoles – Develop critical listening and mixing skills.
Studio Etiquette & Vibe – Learn the ethics and energy needed to deliver a polished final product.
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS
With decades of experience producing, tracking, editing, mixing and mastering for all artists of Hip Hop, R&B, Trap genres, our instructor, MarLovace, will teach you the essential engineering fundamentals so that in 10-weeks you will be able to run any and all hip hop sessions inside a home or pro studio.
GROUP OR 1-on-1
The Essentials of Hip Hop is available in both group and 1-on-1 formats. Group courses, held quarterly and limited to just 3-4 students, foster teamwork, critical thinking, and direct engagement with instructors. For a more personalized experience, 1-on-1 courses offer flexible start dates, a custom schedule, hands-on training, and a curriculum tailored to your unique goals in the music industry.
10 CLASS CURRICULUM
CLASS 1: INTRO & ACOUSTICS
Learn the roles of audio engineer & establish individual student goals
Install necessary software & plugins
Learn about the basics of sound including the human ear and speakers
Understand the importance of acoustics (frequencies)
CLASS 2: THE GEAR
Discover Dynamics, Condensers, Tube Mics
Understand SSL console
Experiment with Preamps, compressors, EQs
Learn Signal Flow
CLASS 3: PRO TOOLS - OVERVIEW
Learn the fundamentals of Pro Tools
Discover the power of plugins
Create File organization
WEEK 4: STUDIO ETIQUETTE
Understand how to properly communicate with the artist
Practice the fundamentals of orchestrating a great work environment
Learn the common terminology
CLASS 5: PRO TOOLS - TRACKING
Set up students own template (recording & mixing)
Students learn how to track 2-track & stems (we bring in a hip hop artist)
Teacher tracks first, student follows in the same steps and then tracks the hip hop artist
CLASS 6: PRO TOOLS - EDITING & TUNING
Continuing on from last lesson
Students learn how to edit & tune (from last lessons tracking session)
Tuning in autotune and briefly in melodyne (we offer a separate workshop in melodyne)
CLASS 7: PRO TOOLS - MIXING 2-TRack
What is a 2 track?
Students learn how to mix a 2 track (from last lessons tracking session)
Teacher mixes first, student follows in the same steps mixing 2 track
CLASS 8: THE SESSION - 2-Track
Practical: Student set ups of microphone & gear
Practical: Student sets up of session in pro tools, gear, etc.
Practical: Student runs a hip hop session start to finish (2 track: tracking, editing, tuning, mixing, mastering)
CLASS 9: PRO TOOLS - MIXING STEMS
What are stems?
Students learn how to mix each separate stem using Preamps, compressors, EQs
Teacher mixes first, student follows in the same steps mixing stems
CLASS 10: THE SESSION - STEMS
Practical: Student set ups of microphone & gear
Practical: Student sets up of session in pro tools, gear, etc.
Practical: Student runs a hip hop session start to finish (stems: tracking, editing, tuning, mixing, mastering)
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF COURse
Upon completing our 10-class course, students receive a certificate of completion. More importantly, our mission is to provide you with the skills, tools, and confidence to manage your own home studio or thrive in a professional setting. Many of our graduates have successfully built their own studios, secured positions in top recording facilities, and even launched careers at radio stations!
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Graduates have the opportunity to start an unpaid internship, taking on daily responsibilities such as studio upkeep and client support. Interns enjoy access to all five studios, where they can observe and assist engineers during recording, mixing, and mastering sessions—gaining real-world experience comparable to top studios in Nashville, LA, and New York.
MORE INFORMATION
ELIGIBILITY: Anyone (beginner or intermediate) interested in learning the fundamentals of audio engineering in the world of hip hop is eligible for this class.
LENGTH: This is a 10-class (55 total hours) course that delivered as a group or 1-on-1 instruction. 10 consecutive weeks: Nine 5-hour lessons. The final class is a full day (10 hours) of practical.
PRICE: $3,000 for the group class. $5000 for 1-on-1 instruction. The 1-on-1 tuition reflects a highly specialized curriculum, dedicated studio time, flexible schedule and personalized attention to the individual student. Ask about our payment plans!
TO REGISTER: We require a 50% deposit to reserve your seat. The balance is due by the start date of the course OR you can participate in our payment plan. There are no additional costs.
GROUP COURSE COUNTDOWN: June 2025. Classes run four times a year. Scheduling is flexible for holidays. If you do not want to wait until June 2025, we recommend enrolling in the 1-on-1 version of this course. 1-on-1 courses have “ongoing admissions” and can begin whenever you are ready.