Do I need previous rap experience?

No; previous improv is helpful but not required. Exercises start with fundamentals and build progressively.

How large are the class groups?

Group sizes vary; instruction uses paired and small-group work to keep exposure low and feedback frequent.

Will I have to perform solo often?

No. The format emphasizes writing and partnered activities; heavy solo exposure is minimized to reduce performance anxiety.

Is the workshop suitable for travelers?

Yes. The workshop is traveler-friendly and pairs well with evening cultural activities in central Amsterdam.

Bring a notepad, pens, a water bottle, and curiosity. Comfortable clothing for brief standing exercises is recommended.

Is the workshop accessible to non-native English speakers?

Yes; the relaxed pace and emphasis on play make it approachable, though familiarity with basic English rhyme will help.

Learn Improvised Rap in Amsterdam: 3-Hour Workshop with MC Hammersmith | Workshop

On a damp evening in Amsterdam, the small room hums with a nervous energy that feels more like promise than performance. [Academy] Intro to Improvised Rap with MC Hammersmith brings that energy into focus, offering three hours of hands-on training in rhymecraft, rhythm, and quick-thinking songwriting. The session takes place in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands, a city of canals, narrow brick houses, and a long history of live performance. Organized by boomchicago, the workshop emphasizes playfulness and practical technique: rhyme schemes, internal rhyme, flow patterns, punchline timing, and strategies to convert a blank page into immediate, singable lines. You won't spend the whole time onstage. Instruction mixes short writing exercises with partnered games that build confidence, then layers group call-and-response jams where rhythm and wordplay meet. MC Hammersmith guides participants through scaffolding for freestyling—breath control, syllable counts, and approaches to hook creation—while keeping the atmosphere low-pressure and collaborative. The class is geared toward people with some improv experience but welcomes newcomers who want to take their musical improvisation further. Part of what makes this workshop special is its setting: Amsterdam's city center is itself a study in rhythm. Cobblestone streets, canal locks, and the steady clip of bicycles create an urban metronome that sneaks into your cadence. The nearby canal belt, part of Amsterdam's 17th-century expansion, provides an atmospheric walk before or after class; bring a notepad to capture lines inspired by reflections on the water and the city's sculptural bridges. Practical details: the course runs about three hours and involves a lot of seated writing interspersed with short performance drills. Bring a pen, a hydrated throat, and curiosity. Previous improv helps, but instructors design exercises so beginners can participate safely. The session cultivates transferable skills for improvised musicals, comedic scenes, and spoken-word performance, making it as useful for stage actors as for aspiring rappers. The format favors pen-and-paper composition—expect a significant portion of the workshop to be seated writing exercises rather than nonstop freestyles—so bring a notepad and disposable editing instinct. There is not heavy solo exposure; coaches prioritize pair work and small-group sharing to lower performance pressure. This structure accelerates progress: focused writing, repeated rhythm drills, and immediate feedback help transform tentative lines into confident, performable bars now. Why book it here? Beyond technique, this is a chance to practice in Amsterdam’s creative network—an entry point to local open-mics and music nights. For travelers, it’s an active cultural experience that pairs well with an evening wandering the Grachtengordel or checking out nearby theaters. Whether you leave with a sharper internal rhythm, new collaborator contacts, or simply the thrill of landing a first live rhyme, the workshop turns fear into a practiced, fun tool you can use on any stage.