About Us – Altar Academy

About Us

Who are we?

Most websites hide their identity due to inexperience. When it comes to EDM, our unparalleled achievements set us apart.

We don’t rely on broadcasting on YouTube; we are deeply immersed in the music industry. As pioneers, we launched the world’s first commercial modern EDM music studio and authored highly respected textbooks in the field. Our impactful keynote speeches at NAMM and the prestigious Audio Engineering Society’s first-ever Electronic Music Academy showcase our expertise. No wonder we are the top choice for so many.

Rick Snoman

Producer | Author | Presenter

Rick is a music producer and an Apple-approved mastering engineer who has collaborated with industry giants like Nicky Holloway, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki. With over 35 years of unparalleled experience, Rick’s expertise is evident in the countless tracks he has produced, mixed, and mastered for top-tier artists and labels, including ToolRoom, Blanco y Negro, Spinnin’, Black Hole, XL, Mammas Milk, WEA, Anjuna, and Mau5trap.

With decades of experience, his distinctive approach to sound design and ability to innovate within electronic music led him to create sounds for sample CDs, many of which become iconic in rave and house music. Additionally, Rick’s extensive ghost production work has not only generated millions of streams but has also earned prestigious awards, solidifying his reputation in the music industry and enabling him to establish Altar Studios— a hub for sonic excellence.

Alongside authoring the Dance Music Manual, his presence as a keynote speaker at NAMM Los Angeles reflects his thought leadership, and his role as co-chair of Electronic Dance Music for the Audio Engineering Society has taken him to notable venues in New York, Los Angeles, and Dublin, where he passionately shares his wealth of knowledge.

If you’re looking to collaborate with a visionary who combines artistry with technical mastery, Rick is your go-to expert.

Alexandra Bartles

Mastering Engineer | Author | Presenter

An Apple Certified mastering engineer, Alex boasts an impressive track record with notable credits, including the renowned Nicky Holloway. She has skillfully crafted lyrics and melodies for tracks released by respected labels such as Blanco Y Negro (WEA), 1980 Recordings, and Mammas Milk. As the author of the highly regarded EDM Mastering Manual published by Routledge, she has also made significant contributions to the fourth and fifth editions of the Dance Music Manual, establishing herself as a key figure in the industry.

In addition to her impressive credentials, Alex is an active board member of the Audio Engineering Society UK Executive Committee, where she previously served as co-chair for Electronic/Modern Music. Her leadership and innovative thinking were highlighted when she curated and presented the AES’s inaugural electronic music event at AES NAMM 2019. This event not only showcased her expertise but also her commitment to shaping the future of producer training through the development of educational standards.

With over 20 years of experience as a qualified audiologist, Alex also specializes as a tinnitus retraining therapist for music professionals. Her passion for protecting the hearing of those in the industry drives her to provide invaluable advice on hearing protection and managing hearing loss. In a field where sound is paramount, Alex stands out as a dedicated professional, combining her technical knowledge with a genuine concern for the well-being of music creators.

Choose to work with Alex, and you’re not just getting an expert; you’re gaining a partner committed to excellence and the preservation of sound for future generations.

Video Courses

Since 1989, we have passionately embraced the world of music. Beyond releasing records, we pioneered education in 2001 by launching the first-ever video tutorial site dedicated to electronic music production.

TextBooks

In 2003, we wrote the groundbreaking production textbook. Now, in its fifth edition, this essential resource is endorsed by industry leaders and translated into five languages, becoming a vital element of curricula at many universities worldwide.

Ghost Work

As a leading ghost production facility, we take pride in empowering some of the most prominent names in the music industry. Our productions have achieved platinum status and garnered millions of views on YouTube, solidifying our reputation.

Our Studios

We proudly opened the doors of Altar Studios, uniquely situated in a beautifully renovated 1800s church. This exceptional space has quickly emerged as the premier destination for professional artists eager to elevate their creative projects and achieve unparalleled artistic excellence.

Mix & Masters

We proudly hold Apple certification and frequently mix and master for esteemed artists signed to renowned labels, including Sony, Warner, 1984 Recordings, Mammas Milk, Armada, Spinnin’ Records, Hospital Records, Anjunabeats, Anjunadeep, and Future Sound of Egypt.

Keynote Talks

Our involvement with the Audio Engineering Society in New York, LA and Dublin highlights our commitment to excellence in this field. Our keynote presentation on modern music at NAMM 2020 showcased our expertise and passion, establishing us as thought leaders in the industry.

Award Winning Textbook

The Dance Music Manual, first published in 2003 by Focal Press, has been translated into five languages, and its fourth edition was shortlisted for Book of the Year in 2019.

This essential guide is regarded by numerous industry professionals as the definitive reference on electronic music production, making it a vital resource for aspiring producers and a staple in colleges and universities around the globe.

Altar Studios

Altar represents the pinnacle of production, seamlessly blending classic vintage hardware—responsible for countless chart-topping hits over the past 30 years—with cutting-edge mixing and mastering technology.

With an impressive array of gear, including renowned brands like Manley, SSL, SPL, Tubetech, and API, along with iconic AKAI samplers and keyboards from Roland, Casio, and Korg, Altar has become the ultimate hub for professional producers who not only recognise but truly appreciate the rich, authentic sound of hardware.

“The bible of modern music production. If there was a dance music production bible, this would certainly be it.”

ToolRoom

“This book is idolised. It’s been recommended on websites throughout the web, and here I am telling you that its the number one book out there when it comes to electronic music production.”

Freshly Squeezed Samples

“An exceptionally well written and researched book, combining both art and science of dance music production. All in all it deserves a place on any aspiring dance music producers desk.”

Music Tech Magazine

“In short, Rick knows exactly what he’s talking about.”

Mix Magazine