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: INTRODUCTION
Learn the Roles of Audio Engineer
Establish individual student goals
Instal necessary software & plugins
Learn about the basics of sound
Understand a full DAW Overview
CLASS 2: Microphones & Vocal Recording
Choose the right mic techniques for Rap, Melodic Rap, and R&B.
Use pop filters, angles, and distance to shape tone.
Capture confident, clear, and emotionally expressive vocals.m5
CLASS 3: Signal Flow Fundamentals
Shape the sound before it reaches the DAW.
Control gain structure using preamps, compressors, and EQs.
Blend analog warmth with digital precision in hybrid setups.
Build and test a vocal chain through console and outboard gear.
WEEK 4: PRO TOOLS WORKFLOW
Build a professional digital workflow.
Navigate the Pro Tools interface and shortcuts.
Set up sessions with proper naming and organization.
Manage plugins, templates, and recall for maximum efficiency.
Create a full session from scratch using pro-level standards.
CLASS 5: RECORDING SESSIONS
Track 2-track beats and multitrack stems.
Set up cue mixes, monitoring, and session vibe.
Comp vocals quickly and efficiently.
Maintain session etiquette and read the artist’s energy.
CLASS 6: EDITING & TUNING
Comp vocals and apply crossfades for seamless takes.
Tune performances with Auto-Tune and Melodyne.
Refine breath control, clip gain, and phase alignment.
Edit and prep a prior session for the mix stage.
CLASS 7: MIXING 2-TRack
Stage gain, sculpt EQ, and compress for vocal presence.
Design reverb and delay spaces to enhance emotion.
Balance mixes against industry references.
Mix an artist’s track and compare to commercial releases.
CLASS 8: MIXING THE MULTITRACK
Group channels, bus effects, and automate movement.
Apply parallel compression, saturation, and stereo imaging.
Ensure mix translation across multiple playback systems.
Mix a full session to professional loudness standards.
CLASS 9: MASTERING & DELIVERY
Build mastering chains with EQ, compression, and limiting.
Test translation and reference across playback environments.
Meet industry delivery specs for final release.
Master the mix and package the full project for delivery.
CLASS 10: THE FULL SESSION
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: January 2026. Classes run four times a year. Scheduling is flexible for holidays. If you do not want to wait until January 2026, 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.