Application deadline extended to January 3, 2025.
Email [email protected] for an application link and additional information by December 20, 2024.  

Prescreening

Hip Hop Rap Performance

1. Two original rap songs / submissions presented as separate, unedited video files.
   • Both videos must show a single, unedited camera shot (one perspective) with the entire applicant in view.
   • Lyrics in both submissions must be original lyrics, written solely by the applicant.
   • Applicants will be evaluated on aspects such as: originality, lyricism, flow, cadence, technique, composition, creativity, musicality, beat selection, stage presence.
2. Submit a brief video/clip of yourself describing your background in Hip Hop, your general musical background, and your interest in studying Hip Hop at the Peabody Conservatory.

Hip Hop Turntable Performance

1. Submit a three-minute, unedited turntable performance video.
   • Applicants must use two turntables and one mixer or turntable/DJ controllers matching this description.
   • Applicants will be evaluated on aspects such as: originality, technique (scratch, beat juggling, stage presence, composition, creativity, musicality, music selection, and technical skill.
   • Cuts, frame changes, animations, and similar video editing are not allowed. Video must be from a single, unedited camera shot (one perspective) with the entire person and equipment in view.
2. Submit a brief video/clip of yourself describing your background in Hip Hop, your general musical background, and your interest in studying Hip Hop at the Peabody Conservatory.

Hip Hop Beatbox Performance

1. Submit a video of a two minute beatbox/vocal percussion routine.
   • Video must show a single, unedited camera shot (one perspective) with the entire person in view.
   • Applicants will be evaluated on aspects such as: originality, flow, technique, composition, creativity, musicality, stage presence.
2. Submit a brief video/clip of yourself describing your background in Hip Hop, your general musical background, and your interest in studying Hip Hop at the Peabody Conservatory.
3. If desired, a third video displaying use of additional technology/loopers/instruments may be submitted.

Hip Hop Production

1. Upload a portfolio of four original Hip Hop beat/production submissions that showcase your production style, skill and techniques, with an accompanying video describing in detail your production process, software, and/or additional equipment for each submission. All music must be produced solely by the applicant.
2. Submit a brief video/clip of yourself describing your background in Hip Hop, your general musical background, and your interest in studying Hip-Hop at the Peabody Conservatory.
3. An additional video demonstrating live beatmaking/finger drumming skills may also be included.

Live Audition

All applicants are required to complete an online music theory assessment (Foundations Benchmark). Applicants who pass the pre-screening will be notified of this requirement and associated deadlines via email, prior to the interview.

Hip Hop Rap Performance

1. Applicants are required to perform two original songs in a live rap audition for faculty.
   • The first song must be performed over an instrumental of the applicant’s choosing.
     • No backing vocals of any kind can be present in the instrumental track.
     • The instrumental file must be provided by the student at the time of the live audition.
   • The second song must be performed a capella.
2. Applicants must take part in a brief, live interview with Hip Hop faculty.

Hip Hop Turntable Performance

1. Applicants are required to perform a three-minute DMC style turntable routine demonstrating skills and techniques such as scratching and/or beat juggling, as well as overall technical mastery.
   • Applicants will be evaluated on aspects such as: originality, technique (scratch, beat juggling, stage presence, composition, creativity, musicality, music selection, and technical skill.
   • Applicants may bring their own turntables and mixer.
   • Two Rane Twelve and Pioneer DJ PLX-CRSS12 controllers as well as mixers will also be available for use.
2. Applicants must take part in a brief, live interview with Hip Hop faculty.

Hip Hop Beatbox Performance

1. Applicants are required to perform a three minute beatbox/vocal percussion routine.
   • Applicants will be evaluated on aspects such as: originality, flow, technique, composition, creativity, musicality, stage presence.
2. Applicants must take part in a brief, live interview with Hip Hop faculty.

Hip Hop Production

1. Applicants will be required to speak, in detail about all submissions in their portfolio with faculty, including but not limited to specific questions about software, production techniques, hardware, plugins and effects. Applicants should also be able to converse with faculty about their relationship to Hip Hop and Hip Hop production.