Point Blank have announced an online hip hop course. Here's their press release...
However diverse the world of Hip Hop may be, its roots always stem from urban and suburban life, with the bedroom being the initial setting for many a producer's studio – unlike the pre-determined, glitzy 'talent' audition circus taking place in today's mainstream pop industry: you know what we're saying! With much hard work, dedication and avoiding the darker side of street life, which can be the focus of much Hip Hop, many will persevere in some shape or form. But it is the transition from the bedroom to the studio which is the tricky part; 'getting your foot in the door' so to speak: how to take your tunes to the next level.
We all need some direction from time to time and breaking into the music industry is no walk in the park. Music production school is certainly an advantageous route to take but many of them can be too generalised in terms of the musical styles they teach. A definitive sound such as Hip Hop requires specific resources: sound advice and tuition from experienced heads in the industry, connections with the right labels and distribution companies and most importantly, the best facilities for the job. Every burgeoning producer out there has stacks of amazing beats, loops and unfinished grooves saved to their hard drive, yet probably wants to know how to push it further and transform them into 'finished' cuts, mastered to a standard fit for the dance floor.
The mentioning of an online course will probably conjure up a few sighs and a level of scepticism; how can you teach a music course online? How would I get personal feedback and advice? Won't it just be a bunch of tutorial videos that I could watch for free on youtube? Naturally these questions will be on the minds of many, but Point Blank Online has been standing out from many music production schools with its unique approach to teaching genre specific courses. Sure, you get a healthy dose of in-depth tutorial videos to help you along the way (eight hours over 93 videos to be exact). However, the foundation of the online courses boasts the use of DVRâ„¢ (Direct Video Responseâ„¢); a method by which student's submit an assignment each week. In return they receive a unique one-to-one feedback video in which a pro music producer analyses their track and offers technical and creative advice.
The online courses are taught by pro-producers with extensive background experience and knowledge of the industry, not some hack that never got their lucky break. The Hip Hop course, specifically, is manned by Paul Waller whose work credentials span a who's who in the Hip Hop game; Gang Starr, De La Soul and even legendary artists outside the field such as BB King and Gil Scott Heron. On top of this, Point Blank has recently partnered up with the cool-as-f**k, slick Nu Yorican lyricist TK Wonder, who has kindly provided exclusive access to her production tools, which include vocals and track segments, as well as completed tracks made especially for the course.
So if your beats are in need of some direction, and you have tunes gathering cobwebs on the virtual shelf, then take careful consideration as to how serious you are with your music. Do you want to bring it up a few notches? A four week intensive course at Point Blank cannot guarantee rags to riches, but will certainly provide you with the skills and knowledge in how to structure your track, tweak it to perfection in the mastering stage and, furthermore, provide you the opportunity of one to one discussion and advice from the course tutor. Point Blank's first Hip Hop course begins Monday 5th July, so if this sounds like the venture you are in need of then don't hesitate in enrolling as there are only a limited number of spaces available.
Point Blank: Background
Point Blank has been training DJ's, music producers, songwriters and sound engineers for over fifteen years. The music school has been voted "Best Music Production & DJ School" for six consecutive years by readers of DJ magazine.
The music school prides itself on small classes and personalised teaching from music industry professionals. Among the tutors you will find Grammy Award winners and songwriters with record sales in the millions. Plus producers and remixers who've worked alongside the likes of Massive Attack, Estelle, Bjork, Leftfield, De La Soul and many others.
Point Blank's most recent innovation is the Online Music School which allows students from all over the world to tap into this music industry expertise. Thanks to a unique Direct Video Response (DVRâ„¢) system, students benefit from one-to-one video coaching from professional music producers. Each course also includes a wealth of exclusive course materials including video tutorials, course notes, projects, samples and much more.
Many Point Blank students go on to enjoy success in the music industry and included among them are Leona Lewis, Tayo (Fabric), Ben Scarr (Island Records) and Paula Fairfield - the sound designer behind hit TV show "Lost".
The college is an Approved Training Centre for music software giants Apple, Ableton, Steinberg and Native Instruments.
Pricing and Availability:
Courses start: monthly from 5th July 2010
Course Fee: £325 (GBP) $475 (USD)
More information:

• pointblankonline.net

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