Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Historic Recording and Music Education in Tulsa
Founded in 1972 by Leon Russell, The Church Studio stands as a historic landmark in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Tulsa Sound while providing state-of-the-art recording services. Our facility combines analog and digital technologies to serve artists, engineers, and music enthusiasts globally. With a mission to educate and inspire, we offer public programs, interpretive exhibits, and a working recording environment that has hosted legends like Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, and Tom Petty.Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, our team maintains a commitment to excellence in audio engineering, community engagement, and cultural preservation. We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring artists retain creative control while benefiting from our expertise and historic ambiance. Through memberships, donations, and volunteer initiatives, we foster a vibrant community dedicated to advancing Oklahoma's musical heritage.
Services
Analog Recording
Digital Recording
Venue Rental
Music Education
Merchandise Sales
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We offer analog and digital recording in a National Register-listed facility
- Our engineers have worked with artists like Eric Clapton and Tom Petty
- We preserve Leon Russell's legacy while embracing modern technology
- Our team provides personalized studio sessions tailored to artist needs
- We combine historic ambiance with cutting-edge audio engineering capabilities
What people say
Best studio in Oklahoma
Friendly staff
Deep music history
Professional engineers
Authentic creative environment
Services
Analog Recording
Our studio offers premium analog recording using vintage equipment like the Studer A 827 Gold Edition 24-track tape machines. This service caters to artists seeking authentic retro sound quality while maintaining modern technical standards. Clients benefit from our acoustically optimized live room and expert engineering team.
Digital Recording
We provide state-of-the-art digital recording with ProTools HDX Ultimate and Lynx-2 converters. This service combines cutting-edge technology with historic ambiance, offering 288 GB of storage and 24-core processing power for complex productions. Engineers ensure seamless workflow for contemporary music creation.
Venue Rental
Our historic facility accommodates events in its 46'x37' live room and control room spaces. The venue features premium audio systems including Bryston amplifiers and ATC loudspeakers. Clients receive technical support for concerts, educational programs, and special events.
Music Education
We offer educational programs focused on recording techniques and music history. Participants learn using our vintage gear collection including Neve 8068 and API 512C equipment. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience in our restored 1915 building.
Merchandise Sales
Our store sells exclusive items like branded apparel and collectibles. Products include limited edition tees and memorabilia celebrating Leon Russell and the Tulsa Sound. All purchases directly support the studio's preservation efforts.
People
Leon Russell
Founder
Legendary musician and producer who purchased the church building in 1972 to create a recording studio. His vision established the Tulsa Sound and shaped the careers of numerous artists through Shelter Records.
Steve Ripley
Former Owner
Oklahoma music advocate who maintained the studio's legacy during his ownership. He preserved its creative environment while modernizing facilities to continue supporting local and national artists.
Ivan Acosta
Current Owner
Tulsa Sound enthusiast focused on restoring the studio to its original glory. He leads efforts to balance historical preservation with modern recording capabilities while expanding educational programs.
Teresa Knox
Current Owner
Music historian dedicated to maintaining Leon Russell's legacy. She oversees archival preservation and community engagement initiatives while managing the studio's operational rehabilitation.
Gary Laney
Audio Engineer
Experienced engineer known for accommodating unconventional recording requests. He specializes in capturing live performances with precision while maintaining the studio's collaborative artistic atmosphere.
Questions
Can I tour the studio where Leon Russell worked?
Yes, our guided tours showcase Leon Russell's workspace and the historic recording environment where he shaped the Tulsa Sound.
Do you offer recording sessions for independent artists?
We provide flexible recording packages for artists at all career stages, with access to both analog and digital production tools.
What makes The The Church Studio historically significant?
As National Register-listed facility, we preserve the birthplace of the Tulsa Sound and Shelter Records' legacy with original equipment and archives.
Are there membership benefits for frequent visitors?
Our membership program offers unlimited admission, event discounts, and exclusive access to special programs and merchandise.
Can I host private events at the studio?
Our venue rental includes the historic live room and control room spaces with professional audio support for concerts and special occasions.
Do you sell official studio merchandise?
Our store offers exclusive items including branded apparel and limited edition collectibles celebrating the studio's musical heritage.
Reviews (4)
Norma King
Jan 17, 2022
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The Master of Space and Time really has come home! This church rocks with the spirit and legacy of Leon through the hard work of Teresa Knox and all those working with her to keep the doors open for creativity and musical inspiration!
Charles Floren
Oct 16, 2021
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Attended the first "Legacy" concert at the newly remodeled Church Studio as a performance venue. Featured performers were Bill and Tamara Champlin with supporting musicians, plus Tulsa's Own superstar, Grady Nichols, with his band. Although some of the renovations to The Church Studio had not yet been completed, the concert was sensational - what I like to refer to as Bona Fide Big Time Show Biz!!
Media Works
Aug 21, 2020
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The history this place represents is amazing. as soon as they're done with the new build out, this will be the premier location to record in all of the US! I can't wait to see what they do next :)
Ovid Bruce
Nov 06, 2018
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I know my best friend who's is overseer of the contractor's and keeps the owner's informed of all aspects of the renovations currently underway focused on updating and modernizing Leon Russell's Church Studio on Third and Trenton. The Knox family has chosen to not only devote time and resources into their investment's within the Tulsa area, they also bring to the table a viable and profettable business plan. The Knox family comes from a long line of highly skilled professionals ranging from highly skilled technical tradesmen and journeyman with specialty artisan skills that ensure every project