WHO ARE WE?
John
von Seggern
John von Seggern has been designing and running the online programs at ICON Collective and other top music production schools for more than a decade, working with the top instructors and adopting the latest educational tech to deliver the best education in the industry. As Director of Educational Technology and Online Education at ICON from 2016-2024, he tripled the online student population and pioneered innovative learning models including AI-powered tools and adaptive learning systems.
In addition to his educational work, he is a seasoned studio musician, producer, and sound designer with over 30 years of experience, including collaboration with electronic music pioneer Jon Hassell from 2014 to 2020. His career, which began in New York City in 1991, features extensive touring in Asia, performances with major artists, and the release of electronic jazz albums. He has also made significant contributions as a sound designer to major film projects, including the Oscar-winning Pixar film WALL-E.
Max Pote
(Protohype)
Max Pote, known professionally as Protohype, has established himself as a prominent figure in electronic music over the past decade, amassing a dedicated following of more than 300,000 fans and over 15 million streams worldwide. His success as a touring artist and deep understanding of music production make him uniquely qualified to help shape the next generation of producers.
As Co-founder of FUTUREPROOF, Max brings his extensive industry experience and artistic expertise to create cutting-edge educational programs that reflect the real demands of today's music industry. His hands-on approach to education combines practical production techniques with insights gained from years of performing and releasing music in the electronic music scene, ensuring that Futureproof's programs provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's dynamic music landscape.
Steve
Nalepa
Californian polymath Steve Nalepa is known for his vast and eclectic array of artistic collaborators. He is a founding member of esteemed beat collective TeamSupreme, and releases music with his projects Airspace, Sunfeels, and The Acid. Nalepa is a key node in the electronic music scene, cultivated through years of creating music, producing events and mentoring many of today’s top artists in Ableton Live. He has published award-winning art books through the self-launched Dilettante Press, scored several feature-length documentary films, and devised/engineered Ableton Live rigs for acts such as Blood Orange, MGMT, Drake, and The Weeknd.
"Steve Nalepa is something of an anomaly in the music industry. The seeds of his success stem from a genuine selfless dedication to helping others achieve their personal best. He’s tutored thousands on the fine points of production in his ... tutorials and his courses at the prestigious Chapman University Conservatory of Music have incubated a hotbed of West Coast talent."
KADENCE
