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The Church Studio Institute offers hands-on, workforce-focused audio engineering and music production training inside Tulsa’s historic, fully operational Church Studio, combining online and in-person learning with real-world studio experience.

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Who we are

HELLO FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THE CHURCH STUDIO

Historic Tours | Merchandise | Memberships

Where homegrown talent rocked and continues to rock the music world.

Visit the Venue

Legendary Recording Studio

Recording | Event Center | Education

The historic church was turned into a recording studio and home office to Shelter Records in 1972. Under Leon Russell’s leadership, the stone structure served as a creative workshop for songwriters, musicians, engineers, and singers to collaborate, learn, and inspire.

OUR HISTORY

LEON RUSSELL

Founded Studio in 1972

THE TULSA SOUND
Rockabilly, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Blues

Although they had different musical gifts, Leon Russell and fellow Oklahoman JJ Cale, are credited for developing the “Tulsa Sound”. This genre is described by many to be a laid-back style of blues, country, and rock that helped shape Southern-style rock-and-roll. The most notable, non-Okie— example of the Tulsa Sound is Eric Clapton. Others believe the “Tulsa Sound” is more of a brotherhood or collaboration of creatives that honor those musical pioneers that came before them.

PHOTO GALLERY

RESTORATION PROJECT

After Photos: Restoration completed in 2022

SUPPORT
THE CHURCH STUDIO MUSIC FOUNDATION
Church Merch

Visit the Store

Black and White Church Studio Tumbler with Straw

$29.99

The Church Studio Matchbox Vintage Tee

$34.99

2025 Carney Fest Tee

$12.99

RECENT BLOG POSTS

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Luke Holt profile picture
Luke Holt
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Take me to Church! (Has anyone used that yet?) I cannot recommend this studio enough. They really care about serving the artists and making the music happen on our terms, which, I hate to say it, is rare in Oklahoma. Ronnie couldn’t have been a better representative, making us feel seen and heard. I’m eager to book more time just to have an excuse to talk to him more, he’s such a cool guy! Gary Laney, the engineer… best I’ve ever worked with. Did exactly what we asked (Eighteen live tracks in five hours, really just focused on the drum sound because we can do the rest at home). That is not a usual request, but he never balked at it, just calmly and professionally did what we asked. Didn’t try to convince us to record the other parts there. Didn’t tell us to track everything separately. It was so nice to hear an engineer say, “What’s the point of going to a friend’s house to jam and one of you goes to the bathroom and the other goes to the kitchen and one of you is in the living room?” They really seem to understand what it’s all about here, and they don’t make it all about themselves, which, again, is refreshing. Kinda hate to let the secret out a bit by leaving this, but there it is: best studio in Oklahoma–by far!!
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lajuan cheeks
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Great atmosphere and good people with a deep knowledge and understanding of music history i went on the tour and im pleased to say I will be back to book a studio session
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550zoom profile picture
550zoom
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Great music history, friendly staff. Appreciate what the owners have preserved.
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Rowen Adonis profile picture
Rowen Adonis
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I have to say this is the place that made me fall in love with Tulsa! Amazing experience! It’s been almost a month since I last visited, but I still feel so warm thinking about the friendly people at the Church Studio. They gave a detailed introduction to the studio’s history and showed us some incredibly cool equipment. I have so much respect for the musicians here. Recommend the place to everyone!!

The Church Studio’s mission is to support, educate, and inspire with an iconic recording facility, interpretive exhibits, and public programs.. Learn more about our nonprofit mission →