Beyond Dreams
What is Beyond Dreams?
Beyond Dreams is a transformative arts empowerment initiative that cultivates business acumen, develops competency within the music industry, and advances artistry. Our goal is to identify aspiring creatives who are passionate about music and leverage their interest to develop business acumen, provide foundational music production experience and expand their financial opportunities within the music industry.
"I truly will never forget this. I learned more than I would at an actual music school." - Siphesihle (September) Khumalo
How Does it work?
Beyond Dreams is an innovative way to nurture the creatives of the future, with the goal of expanding their economic opportunities, supporting the pursuit of their passions and molding the leaders of tomorrow's world. We focus on aspiring producers and artists who demonstrate strong character and committed interest in growing their music career. Harnessing their interests, we work with music industry professionals to educate them on the fundamentals of the music business, expose them to hands-on music production experience, and provide them with the resources needed to develop and monetize their skills. By doing so, students will begin their path to financial independence while also expressing their creativity.
Industry Expertise
Learn more about the key contributors to the Beyond Dreams 2025 program.
Lashell Lane
Owner | Music Executive | Publisher | Leader in Rights & Royalties Advocacy
Lashell Lane is a music executive, publisher, and advocate for artists’ rights, known for empowering independent talent through her companies LRL Pinnacle Music Group LLC and LRL PMG Publishing. She has helped guide the success of award-winning songwriters, producers, and artists behind chart-topping and platinum-certified hits like Vedo’s “You Got It,” Fireboy DML & Ed Sheeran’s “Peru,” and music featured in Netflix’s Day Shift. Her work spans genres and continents, with a focus on publishing rights, royalty collection, and long-term catalog value.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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How to Market Yourself as a Producer
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Financial Management
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How to Get Paid as a Producer
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Streaming & Distribution
Mr Hanky
Hitmaking Producer & Musical Innovator
Mr. Hanky, born Corey Dennard, is a hitmaking producer whose genre-blending sound has powered major records for artists like Usher, City Girls, Young Dolph, and Snoop Dogg. With standout hits including the RIAA Gold-certified “On the Way” (DJ Luke Nasty),, the viral smash "Living My Best Life” (Lil Duval ft. Snoop Dogg), and “Twerkulator” (City Girls). His work has topped charts and shaped the sound of urban radio for over a decade. His production legacy began with Atlanta’s Collipark Music, where he contributed to the rise of Soulja Boy and the Ying Yang Twins, and continues today through his company Cultural Resources LLC.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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Intro to Music Production
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In-person Music Production
Luke Crowder
Grammy Winning Music Producer
Luke Crowder is a Grammy Award-winning, Platinum-selling, and Billboard-charting producer from Birmingham, Alabama, known for his genre-defying sound and innovative production style. His work spans collaborations with global icons like Drake, Lil Wayne, Anderson .Paak, Childish Gambino, 2 Chainz, and 21 Savage, reflecting his versatility and creative reach across hip-hop, R&B, and beyond.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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In-person Music Production
Samarra (Stereo) Torrence
Audio Engineer
Samarra “STEREO” Torrence is a highly respected audio engineer, producer, and songwriter, known for her precision in vocal production and mixing across genres. As the owner of Sage Studios ATL and lead engineer for industry giants like Atlantic Records, SONY Music Publishing, and LVRN Records, she has worked with top-tier artists including Brent Faiyaz, Tamar Braxton, Gucci Mane, Summer Walker, and Travis Scott. Her credits include standout records like Brent Faiyaz’s “Deadman Walking” and Tamar Braxton’s “Glory,” earning her a reputation for crafting sonically rich and emotionally resonant music.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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Audio Engineering
Ricki Rich
Song Writer
Rickie is an Atlanta-based songwriter making waves in the music industry with her distinct pen and creative vision. She has recently collaborated with notable artists like Finesse 2x, Kash Doll, Shenseea, DDG and more. Ricki co-wrote on the grammy nominated album, Alpha, by Shenseea, contributing to the standout track "Nana". She also co-wrote "Large Amounts", the gold-certified single from Gucci Mane's 1017 label. Beyond song writing, Ricki has been an integral part of recent projects with various artists, lending her expertise in songwriting, track selection, and executive production.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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Intro to Song Writing
Elijah Adefope
Technology, Media and Marketing Counsel
Elijah Adefope is a forward-thinking business and legal affairs attorney with extensive experience at the intersection of media, technology, and the creator economy. In his former role as Lead Counsel at Substack Inc., he spearheaded commercial, product, and privacy initiatives, navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving media technology landscape. His background also includes significant work in the music business with artists, artist managers, producers, and songwriters. He is also well-versed in creator and influencer agreements, marketing and advertising technology, and intellectual property licensing within the music and entertainment sectors. Today, Elijah works with private equity and venture backed media, marketing, and technology companies; in addition to continuing to counsel artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs in media, entertainment, and other fields.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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Intro to Entertainment Law
Kailen Tharpe
Music Management | A&R | Project Management | Former Assoc. Director, A&R at Epic Records
Kailen Tharpe is a true creative connector in today’s music industry. As President of Mogul Mentality, she manages artists, oversees creative projects, and helps talent find their voice — and their audience. Her career has taken her through some of the biggest rooms in the business, including key A&R roles at both Atlantic Records and Epic Records.
Whether she’s leading studio sessions, connecting artists with the right collaborators, or building long-term growth plans, Kailen’s approach is all about helping artists develop authentic, sustainable careers. She’s built strong relationships across the industry and knows how to navigate both the creative and business sides of music.
Beyond Dreams Courses Taught:
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A&R Best Practices
FROM BARS to BARS (2021)
From Bars 2 Bars was a creative arts program targeted towards aspiring young artists affected by mass incarceration. Our music industry experts led participants through the ins and outs of the music industry, covering music publishing, distribution, music production, entertainment law, artist management, and more. This program was also supplemented with additional studio time for participants to make their own music.
2021 Speakers
Entertainment
LAw
Instructor
Jasmin Robinson
Entrepreneurship Lawyer
Management
Instrctor:
Patrick Afeku
Senior Director of A&R at
Epic Records
Music Production
Instructor:
Kam "Hollywood" Cole
Grammy Nominated
producer
Music Streaming & Distribution
Instructor:
JR McKee
Streaming Executive
Music Publishing
Instructor:
Lashell Lane
Client & Publishing Relations
at Empire Records
Audio Engineering
Instructor:
Samarra "Stereo" Torrence
Audio Engineer
Song writing
Instructor:
OMB Peezy
Recording Artist
Radio promotion
Instructor:
Flex Gang Slim