HHN2L: Hip Hop Into Learning
Educational Experiences
Louisville Orchestra RAP School
HHN2L uses creative expression and mentorship to support youth development, belonging, and confidence through meaningful learning experiences.
Exciting News: This year, RAP School is proudly sponsored by the Jack Harlow Foundation.
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The Louisville Orchestra RAP School
The Louisville Orchestra RAP School is a seven-month residency that brings students into creative collaboration with professional musicians from the Louisville Orchestra. Launched in 2019 by Composer Teddy Abrams and artist JeCorey Arthur, the program uses hip hop and music education to amplify youth voice and creative expression.
Hip Hop Into Learning (HHN2L) facilitates RAP School in partner schools, guiding students through auditions and selecting 12 participants to take part in the residency. Students engage in Jam Sessions, working one-on-one with orchestra musicians to develop original work and prepare for a culminating performance alongside the orchestra.
RAP School offers students a rare opportunity to build confidence, musicianship, and agency—using their voices to create and inspire.
Inside the The Louisville Orchestra RAP School Experience
The LO RAP School Experience positions performance as a pathway to confidence, helping students strengthen their voice, presence, and belief in their ability to create and lead.
Student Auditions & Selections
Students audition to join a highly selective cohort of 12 participants, committing to a seven-month creative residency that challenges them to grow as writers, artists and collaborators.
Create & Collaborate
Students develop original lyrics and musical ideas while working one-on-one with professional musicians from the Louisville Orchestra during Jam Sessions, exploring the intersection of hip hop and orchestral music.
Refine & Grow
Through sustained mentorship and guided practice, students refine their work, build confidence and discipline, and strengthen their artistic voice through a professional creative process.
Meet Jaz.
During the 24/25 season of RAP School, Jaz participated in the LO RAP School program as a student from Atkinson Elementary School. Throughout the residency, Jaz demonstrated creativity, commitment, and resilience that extended far beyond the music.
During her time in RAP School, Jaz experienced the loss of her mother. In the midst of grief, RAP School became a consistent space of support—helping her stay engaged, connected, and grounded through creative expression and community.
Together, RAP School supported Jaz’s identity, healing, and growth, reinforcing the power of mentorship, structure, and belonging during one of the most difficult moments of her life.
Facilitated in Partnership.
RAP School is facilitated by Hip Hop Into Learning (HHN2L) and taught by Antonio “T” Taylor, Program Director of HHN2L, in partnership with the Louisville Orchestra, combining youth development, creative instruction, and professional mentorship.
RAP School is available through school and district partnerships in collaboration with Hip Hop Into Learning and the Louisville Orchestra. Together, we work with schools to identify students, align programming to instructional goals, and create a transformative learning experience rooted in creativity, mentorship, and student voice.