Beats and Bars - Rap

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Over the last 50 years, hip hop has profoundly influenced the world, continuously reinventing itself across history, fashion, social movements, business and technology. The Beats and Bars Rap short course offers a comprehensive introduction to the artistic principles and techniques of hip hop music production, the culture from which it originates and the art of rap. This is the first course of its kind to focus exclusively on hip hop and rap, providing you with a solid foundation in the culture, music and modern-day business aspects of the genre.

Over 12 weeks, you’ll immerse yourself in hip hop, learning about lyrical composition, vocal techniques and music production. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, you’ll begin to craft your unique rap style and explore the tools used by hip hop legends. You’ll then delve into more advanced aspects of rap production and performance, and explore how to effectively market yourself in today’s social-media-driven landscape. Next, you’ll refine your skills before performing in front of an audience in the final course showcase.

Guided by talented and experienced industry professionals, you’ll expand your proficiencies across writing, vocals and production. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the rich history and culture that has shaped the genre, while learning the skills you need to succeed in the music industry as a rap artist or producer.

Learning Outcomes

On the Beats and Bars Rap course, you’ll develop a broad understanding of the history, artistic principles and techniques of hip hop and rap.

Across 12 weeks you’ll:

  • Explore the cultural phenomenon of rap and hip hop – the biggest youth movement the world has ever seen.
  • Develop your existing skills in music production and rap.
  • Progress your artistic technique in rap and hip hop, honing your unique style.
  • Collaborate creatively with other hip hop artists and producers.
  • Launch your own social media campaign.
  • Perform with confidence in front of an audience.


Course Features

Explore hip hop culture
Develop an appreciation of hip hop and rap, past and present, and its context within the modern music industry.

Take your lyrics to the next level
Find your FAID (flow, accent, intonation and dynamics) and expand your wordplay to amplify your voice.

Improve your music production skills
Learn production techniques specific to rap and hip hop, like DJing, sampling, beat making and an understanding of ‘the break’.

Learn how to market yourself
Build your image as a hip hop artist and launch your own social media campaign.

Perform as a rap artist
Plan your end-of-course Showcase performance and impress the audience with your creative stagecraft.

 

Get hands-on with beats and  bars

From developing your vocal skills and writing style, to expanding your hip-hop-related music production techniques, you’ll intimately explore the art and craft of hip hop and rap across the 12 weeks of the course.

You’ll learn to confidently use the equipment operated by professionals in the hip hop industry, as you’re taught and guided by professionals with years of music business experience. Getting hands on with you will be your fellow course students, as you collaborate creatively with them to test your ideas.

Course information: London

  • Start dates: Janurary 7 2025
  • Price: £399
  • Length: 12 weeks
  • When: Tuesdays or Wednesdays , 7pm to 9pm
  • Location: ICMP's Kilburn campus, London

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Your London Tutor: FRANCIS WINSTON

With more than 25 years of experience in the music industry – including as a composer, arranger, musician and music educator – Francis Winston has led a 15-piece hip-hop-jazz-funk band, composed and toured two ‘hip hoperas’ and designed and managed industry-standard recording studios.

Many of his former students have become music industry professionals working with artists such as Jay-Z, Leona Lewis, Ellie Goulding, Pharrell Williams, Labrinth and Tinie Tempah. His teaching philosophy centres around hip hop culture and rap as an art form, with the aim of elevating the genre within the music industry – both academically and professionally.

Course Progression

This first-of-its-kind course is an impressive introduction to the world of rap and hip hop for potential hip hop artists, songwriters and producers. If you’re keen to progress your knowledge across performance, songwriting, music production, music business or live event management, you might like to consider  courses such as:

 
 

Key facts

  • Available in London
  • Open to all skill levels
  • Convenient three-month part-time course
  • Only £399 (includes course tuition, student materials pack and supporting audio)
  • Taught at ICMP’s Training Centre in London
  • Combine hands-on experience with historical and cultural studies
  • Discover the art of rap with modules in lyricism and production
  • Convenient three-month part-time course
  • Engage in group activities and peer feedback sessions
  • Learn to navigate the commercial aspects of the music industry
  • Perform your work in a final showcase
  • If you’re an international student, you can study this programme without a visa (eligibility criteria applies)

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COURSE DETAILS

Week 1 - 6

Week 7 - 12

Weekly modules

The first six weeks of the Beats and Bars Rap course gives you an impressive understanding of the history, creative processes and production techniques used in hip hop music. As you explore the essential components of the genre – from DJing and FAID, to Boom Bap, rap lyrics and vocal recording – you’ll start to apply your new perspective to your persona as a hip hop artist.

INTRODUCTION TO RAP

Get started with an exploration of the ‘Four Pillars of Rap’ and begin developing your personal style. This module focuses on understanding the basics of rap, with a cypher session to break the ice and group discussions on how identity influences rap technique.

  • Learn about the Four Pillars of Rap
  • Develop a basic understanding of rap culture and its origins
  • Participate in a group cypher to practise vocal delivery
  • Discuss the influence of personal identity on rap style

PRODUCTION I: WHO’S THE DJ?

Discover the roots of hip hop by diving into the history of DJing and the concept of ‘the break’. Learn about early hip hop pioneers like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash, and start experimenting with basic music production techniques.

  • Explore the history of DJing and hip hop production
  • Understand the importance of ‘the break’ in hip hop music
  • Begin experimenting with creating beats using sampling techniques
  • Lay down your first tracks using industry-standard production tools

LYRIC I: THE ART OF RAP

This module is dedicated to mastering the core elements of rap vocal techniques, including Flow, Accent, Intonation and Dynamics (FAID). Through practical exercises, you’ll start developing your unique voice and style.

  • Learn the FAID technique for rap vocals
  • Study how legendary rappers developed their styles
  • Find your voice and create your FAID
  • Carve out your own unique identity as a rapper

PRODUCTION II: BRING THAT BEAT BACK

Dive more deeply into production, with a focus on Boom Bap and sampling. Learn to create more complex beats and understand how sampling has influenced hip hop’s sound.

  • Understand the significance of Boom Bap in hip hop production
  • Experiment with more advanced sampling techniques
  • Create your own Boom-Bap-inspired beats
  • Share your production work with peers for feedback

LYRIC II: BARS AND PHRASING

Take a closer look at the intricacies of lyrical composition, focusing on phrasing and flow. Study rap pioneers and apply their techniques to your own work, pushing your lyrical boundaries.

  • Study advanced phrasing and flow techniques
  • Analyse the work of rap legends to understand their lyrical style
  • Practise writing and performing extended bars
  • Refine your lyrical flow through targeted exercises

PRODUCTION III: VOCAL RECORDING

Learn the essential skills for recording rap vocals, including pitching, overdubbing and EQing. This module is about translating your vocal style into high-quality recordings.

  • Master the basics of vocal recording and editing
  • Learn how to pitch and overdub your vocals
  • Use EQ to refine your vocal recordings
  • Produce polished recordings that showcase your rap style

Weekly modules

Across the final six weeks of the Beats and Bars Rap course, you’ll further develop your lyrical style and competency as a rap artist, while exploring marketing techniques and preparing for your big performance showcase in the last week of your course.

LYRIC III: LYRICAL TECHNIQUE

Delve more deeply into lyrical composition, focusing on the techniques used by artists such as Lauryn Hill, Nas, Chuck D, Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah, Mos Def and more. You’ll explore these techniques in the context of your own work, as you expand your lyrical repertoire.

  • Experiment with wordplay
  • Explore literary devices such as alliteration, allegory and personification
  • Learn how to pack a lyrical punch using punchlines
  • Improve your lyrical technical abilities with targeted exercises

MARKETING I: COMMERCIAL OR COMMUNITY ACTION?

Explore the commercial side of the music industry, including how to market yourself as a rap artist. You’ll cover the division between art and commerce, and learn to develop a personal brand that resonates with your audience.

  • Learn the basics of marketing in the music industry
  • Understand the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success
  • Begin developing your artist image and brand
  • Create a marketing strategy for your music career

MARKETING II: SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Discover how to use social media and networking to promote your work and build a following. You’ll learn strategies to increase your visibility and connect with other artists and industry professionals.

  • Explore the role of social media in the modern music industry
  • Develop a social media strategy to promote your music
  • Learn effective networking techniques for musicians
  • Launch a social media project to increase your online presence

PERFORMANCE PREP I: SHOWCASE PREPARATION

Start preparing for your final Showcase by planning every aspect of your performance. You’ll cover technical requirements, stage presence, promotional materials and more.

  • Plan the technical aspects of your performance
  • Develop your stagecraft and presence
  • Create promotional materials for your Showcase
  • Begin rehearsing your performance

PERFORMANCE PREP II: PERFORMANCE MASTERCLASS

In this performance masterclass, you’ll refine your stage presence and focus on final preparations for your Showcase. This module ensures all elements of your performance are polished and ready for presentation.

  • Finalise the technical and artistic aspects of your performance
  • Dress rehearsal of your performance with your peers and tutor
  • Ensure all promotional materials are ready for distribution
  • Build confidence for your final Showcase

SHOWCASE

Present your work in a final Showcase, demonstrating the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout the course. This is your opportunity to perform live and receive constructive feedback you can use to improve future performances.

  • Execute your performance in front of a live audience
  • Receive feedback from your peers and tutor
  • Reflect on your growth as an artist
  • Celebrate your achievements in the course

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Ability level:

This course is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience in rap or music production. The key prerequisites are an open mind and an interest in writing and performing or producing rap music.

HOW TO APPLY

If you need help, or further advice about out part time music courses, just contact our Admissions team who will be happy to assist you. 



By phone:
020 7328 0222

By email:
enquiries@icmp.ac.uk

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