This course is an advanced-level experience for producers aiming to master the craft of hip-hop production using Ableton Live. Students will analyze production across the genre’s history, build advanced drum sequences and textures, experiment with creative sampling techniques, and develop professional-quality vocals and mixes.
By the end of the course, each student will complete and present an original hip-hop track that demonstrates artistic voice, technical excellence, and genre fluency.

  • Hip-Hop Eras & Track Analysis
    • Study classic to modern styles and learn to hear swing, space, and arrangement choices.
  • Advanced Drum Programming
    • Build custom kits, layer hits, and apply swing, ghost notes, and microtiming.
  • Drum Buss & Texture
    • Add saturation, compression, and transient shaping to create lived-in drum tone.
  • Sampling & Resampling Workflows
    • Flip sources with crate-digging, ethics, and convert-to-audio strategies.
  • Warping, Slicing & Chop Techniques
    • Use Simpler/Sampler, Slice-to-MIDI, and warp modes for loops and phrases.
  • Vocal Recording & Editing
    • Track verses with proper mic technique, then comp, clean, and align takes.
  • Rap Vocal Mixing & FX Chains
    • Apply EQ, de-essing, compression, parallel paths, doubles, ad-libs, and throws.
  • Creative Mixing & Delivery
    • Balance drums, bass, and vocals, set loudness, and export release-ready files.

  • Produce and present one original hip-hop track with intro, verses, hooks, and a cohesive arrangement.
  • Program a 16-bar drum loop using a custom kit with layered kick and snare, swing, and at least two fill variations.
  • Flip a single sample three distinct ways and integrate at least one flip into the final track.
  • Record, comp, and edit a rap vocal, aligning doubles and ad-libs within ±10 ms of the lead where intended.
  • Mix for translation with a stable mono low end and clear vocal presence, then target pre-master headroom of −6 dBFS and true peak on the final bounce ≤ −1 dBTP.
  • Document the session with organized folders, proper naming, and a brief producer note on references and choices.
$649.00
You may also like…

Here’s what our students are saying

“It was really nice to have a facility where I could come in and meet other people in the industry. I felt like I got more than just learning how to produce from the course. It kind of gave me tidbits that’ll help me as I continue to grow in my career and creative process.”

DJ Somani, Intro to Logic

“The SoundCollective community has enhanced my learning experience by having such a friendly and welcoming environment. As soon as I walk in here, I’m not met with an environment where I don’t fit in. I’m a lot more open and welcomed to ask any questions. The community here definitely enhances growth.”

Ashley T., Intro to Rekordbox and CDJs

“I’ve always been interested in music. This was sort of my way to push myself and get myself out there. I think honestly the best thing is the community that I’m getting. I didn’t realize how great the in-person element would be.”

Anna W., Intro to Rekordbox and CDJs

“I was motivated to enroll in the program because I wanted to take my music career to the next level. I had no technical music production skills before this. The information and the knowledge I gained I could apply immediately and start making music at home.”

Carlos S., Intro to Ableton

Hands-On Learning in New York City

Industry-standard tools of the trade and a playful space you can use to reach toward your artistic goals.

Our constantly growing community of student artists allows to work on your next project, practice for your next gig, or explore new technology. Our space is the place for you to learn, grow, and create.