How to Tour the Church Studio Music Recording History

The Church Studio, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands as one of the most influential yet underappreciated landmarks in American music history. Originally constructed in 1972 as a private residence by legendary producer and engineer Bill Szymczyk, it was transformed into a world-class recording facility that became the creative epicenter for some of the most iconic albums in rock, country, blues, and pop. Artists such as Elvis Presley, The Allman Brothers Band, Leon Russell, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison all recorded landmark tracks within its walls. Today, the studio is preserved as a nonprofit cultural institution, offering guided tours that unlock the sonic secrets of a bygone era of analog innovation and artistic experimentation.

Touring the Church Studio isnt merely a walk through a historic buildingits an immersive journey into the evolution of music production, the rise of the American studio system, and the enduring power of creative collaboration. For music historians, audio engineers, fans of classic rock, and curious travelers alike, understanding how to properly tour the Church Studio is essential to appreciating its legacy. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to experiencing the studios rich recording history, from pre-visit preparation to post-tour reflection.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Studios Historical Significance Before Booking

Before you even consider booking a tour, invest time in understanding the Church Studios role in shaping modern music. Unlike commercial studios that prioritize speed and efficiency, the Church Studio was built as a sanctuary for artistic exploration. Its unique acoustics, vintage gear, and open-door philosophy attracted musicians seeking authenticity over polish.

Key milestones to familiarize yourself with:

• 1972: The building is converted from a church into a recording studio by Bill Szymczyk, known for producing The Eagles Hotel California.
• 1973: Elvis Presley records Burning Love and other tracks during his final studio sessions here.
• 1974: Leon Russell, a Tulsa native and musical prodigy, purchases the studio and transforms it into a communal creative hub.
• 1975: The Allman Brothers Band records parts of Brothers and Sisters here, including the iconic Ramblin Man.
• 1980s1990s: The studio becomes a haven for regional artists and emerging genres, including Oklahomas country and gospel scenes.
• 2014: The studio is saved from demolition by a grassroots campaign and reopened as a nonprofit museum and recording space.

Understanding these moments will deepen your appreciation during the tour. Consider reading The Church Studio: A History of Music in Tulsa by Scott B. Bomar or watching the documentary The Church Studio: Where Music Was Made available on streaming platforms.

2. Book Your Tour Through Official Channels

As a nonprofit organization, the Church Studio operates on a limited schedule. Tours are not available daily and often fill up weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall.

To book:

1. Visit the official website: www.churchstudio.org
2. Click on the Tours tab to view available dates and times.
3. Choose between the standard 90-minute guided tour or the extended Behind the Boards experience, which includes access to the control room and vintage gear demonstration.
4. Complete the reservation with your contact information and preferred group size.
5. Receive a confirmation email with parking instructions, arrival time, and what to bring.

Pro tip: Book early if youre traveling from out of state. The studio only accommodates 12 guests per tour, and private group bookings require a minimum of six people.

3. Prepare for the Tour: What to Bring and What to Expect

Unlike typical museum tours, visiting the Church Studio requires a mindset of reverence and curiosity. Heres what you should prepare:

• Comfortable footwear: The studio is housed in a converted 1920s church with original hardwood floors and uneven staircases.
• Camera or smartphone: Photography is permitted in most areas (no flash), and the vintage equipment, murals, and recording consoles make for powerful visual documentation.
• Notepad or voice recorder: The guides share anecdotes and technical details that arent available onlinecapture them.
• Open mind: This isnt a sterile exhibit. The studio still functions as a working space. You may hear music being recorded during your visit.
• No food or drinks: To protect the historic equipment and acoustics, consumption of food or beverages is prohibited inside the studio.

Arrive 15 minutes early. The tour begins promptly, and latecomers may miss critical context about the studios layout and legacy.

4. The Guided Tour Experience: What Youll See and Hear

Each tour is led by a trained docentoften a former engineer, local musician, or historian with deep ties to the studios past. The experience unfolds in four distinct phases:

Phase One: The SanctuaryWhere the Music Began

The tour begins in the main sanctuary, once a place of worship, now the live recording room. The high ceilings, original stained glass windows, and wooden pews remain untouched. The acoustics here are legendaryengineers describe the space as having natural reverb that doesnt color the sound, it elevates it.

Your guide will demonstrate how artists like Elvis Presley used the natural echo to layer vocals, often recording in the center of the room with minimal microphones. Youll hear a short playback of Burning Love as it was captured live, with no overdubs.

Phase Two: The Control RoomThe Brain of the Operation

Step into the control room, where the magic was mixed and mastered. The original 1970s Neve 8028 console still operates today, a rarity among historic studios. Every knob, fader, and patch bay has been preserved, with some components restored using original schematics.

Here, youll learn how multitrack recording worked before digital audio workstations. The guide will show you how tape machines functioned, how engineers manually edited tracks with razor blades and splicing tape, and how the studios custom-built echo chambers were constructed beneath the floor.

Phase Three: The Green Room and Artist Lounge

One of the most intimate spaces is the artist lounge, where legends like Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Gram Parsons relaxed between sessions. Original signed photos, handwritten lyrics, and personal artifacts are displayed in climate-controlled cases.

One highlight: a handwritten note from Leon Russell to a young Bruce Springsteen, offering advice on finding the soul in the silence.

Phase Four: The Archives and Listening Station

The final segment takes you into the studios climate-controlled archive room, where original master tapes are stored. While you cannot touch the tapes, you can listen to curated selections on vintage headphones connected to period-correct playback systems.

Try the Tape vs. Digital comparison: hear the same song recorded in 1974 on 2-inch analog tape, then digitally remastered in 2020. The difference in warmth, depth, and harmonic richness is startling.

5. Engage With the Staff and Ask Questions

The guides are not just narratorsthey are custodians of living history. Dont hesitate to ask questions like:

• How did they record Elviss voice without headphones?
• What happened to the original echo chamber?
• Did any artists refuse to record here because of the acoustics?
• Whats the most unusual instrument ever recorded in this room?

One memorable response came from a former engineer who recalled how The Allman Brothers recorded Ramblin Man in a single take after a late-night jam sessionno rehearsals, no edits. They just walked in, played, and left. We didnt even know it was a hit until it went to number one.

6. Extend Your Visit: Explore the Surrounding Music Scene

The Church Studio is part of a larger musical ecosystem in Tulsa. After your tour, consider visiting:

• Leon Russells former home and studio (a short drive away)now a private residence, but exterior views are accessible.
• The Tulsa Sound Museumdedicated to the fusion of rock, country, and R&B that defined the regions sound.
• Wagon Wheel Recordsa local independent shop with rare vinyl from Church Studio sessions.
• Orpheum Theatrewhere many artists who recorded at the Church Studio performed live.

Many visitors combine their tour with a dinner at The Blue Dome, a historic building that once housed a jazz club frequented by studio musicians in the 1970s.

7. Reflect and Share Your Experience

After your tour, take time to reflect. What surprised you? What surprised you most about the simplicity of the equipment compared to todays digital studios? How did the space itself influence the music?

Consider writing a review on Google or TripAdvisor to help others discover the studio. Share photos on social media with the hashtag

ChurchStudioHistory

Best Practices

1. Respect the Space as a Living Archive

The Church Studio is not a theme park. It is a functioning cultural archive. Even though the equipment is historic, many components are still in use for recording sessions. Avoid touching any gear, even if it looks like a display. Microphones, tape machines, and consoles are fragile and irreplaceable.

2. Prioritize Audio Over Visuals

While the studios architecture and artifacts are stunning, the true treasure lies in the sound. Pay close attention to the audio demonstrations. Listen for the subtle imperfectionsthe slight tape hiss, the natural room echo, the breath between vocal phrases. These are the signatures of analog recording that digital technology often sanitizes.

3. Avoid Touring During Recording Sessions

While the studio welcomes visitors, it remains an active recording space. If you arrive during a session, your guide will adjust the tour path to avoid disruption. Be patient and respectful. The music being made today is part of the studios continuing legacy.

4. Dress Appropriately for the Climate

Tulsas weather can be extreme. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold and dry. The studios original insulation is minimal, so temperatures inside can vary. Dress in layers and check the forecast before you go.

5. Bring a Sense of Wonder, Not Expectations

Dont expect a polished, high-tech museum experience. The Church Studio embraces its rough edges. The walls may show peeling paint. The carpets may be worn. But thats part of its authenticity. The power of the studio lies in its honestynot its perfection.

6. Support the Nonprofit Mission

Admission fees directly fund preservation efforts, restoration of vintage gear, and educational programs for youth. Consider making a donation during your visit or purchasing a limited-edition vinyl release from the studios archive. Your support ensures future generations can experience this space.

7. Educate Yourself Further After the Tour

After your visit, dive deeper. Watch interviews with engineers who worked here. Read memoirs by artists who recorded at the studio. Join online forums like Reddits r/AnalogRecording or the Church Studio Fan Club on Facebook. The more you learn, the richer your experience becomes.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

• Church Studio Official Website: www.churchstudio.org Booking, hours, history, and events.
• Church Studio Archives Digital Portal: Access high-resolution scans of session logs, tape reels, and artist correspondence (free registration required).
• The Church Studio: Audio History Podcast: A 12-episode series featuring interviews with engineers, musicians, and historians.

Books and Documentaries

• The Church Studio: A History of Music in Tulsa by Scott B. Bomar The definitive written history.
• Where the Music Was Made: The Church Studio Documentary Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube.
• Tape Op: The Church Studio Edition A special issue of the acclaimed audio engineering magazine featuring firsthand accounts.

Equipment to Study

Understanding the gear used at the Church Studio enhances your appreciation. Key pieces include:

• Neve 8028 Console (1974): One of only 12 ever built; prized for its preamps and EQ.
• Studer A80 2-Track Tape Machine: Used for final mixes; known for its warmth.
• Telefunken U47 Microphones: The go-to vocal mic for Elvis, Orbison, and Russell.
• Altec Lansing 604E Speakers: The studios reference monitorsstill in use today.
• Custom Echo Chambers: Built under the floor using concrete ducts and reverb plates.

Audio Comparison Tools

To deepen your understanding of analog vs. digital, use these free tools:

• Waves Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain: Simulates the sonic character of vintage consoles.
• Universal Audios Studer A800 Plugin: Emulates the tape saturation of the studios original machines.
• Spotify/Apple Music Comparison: Listen to the original 1974 analog release versus the 2020 remaster of Burning Love or Ramblin Man.

Community and Learning Platforms

• Reddit: r/AnalogRecording Active discussions on vintage gear and studio history.
• YouTube Channels: Vintage Gear Labs, Tape Op Magazine, and The Analog Revival.
• Local Workshops: The Church Studio offers quarterly Analog 101 sessions for beginnerscheck their calendar.

Real Examples

Example 1: Elvis Presleys Burning Love (1972)

Elvis recorded Burning Love in a single afternoon. The session was unplannedhe was in Tulsa for a performance and asked to use the studio. The band set up live in the sanctuary. The drums were miked with just two microphones. Elvis sang into a single U47, standing in the center of the room. The reverb came naturally from the churchs architecture. No compression. No gates. No editing. The final take was used on the album.

Today, engineers still study this recording as a masterclass in capturing emotion through simplicity. During the tour, youll hear the original master tape played through the same console and speakers used in 1972.

Example 2: The Allman Brothers Bands Ramblin Man (1973)

Gregg Allman wrote Ramblin Man in the studios lounge. The band recorded it in one take after a long night of jamming. The piano was an upright in the corner of the sanctuary. The slide guitar was recorded with a Shure SM57 placed three feet from the amp. The rooms natural ambience gave the track its signature Southern lilt.

When the tour guide plays the original mix, they point out the faint sound of a door closing in the backgrounda crew member leaving after the session. Thats not a mistake, they say. Thats part of the story.

Example 3: Leon Russells A Song for You (1970, later re-recorded at Church Studio)

Though originally recorded elsewhere, Russell returned to the Church Studio in 1974 to re-record the song with a full gospel choir. The choir was positioned in the balcony, with microphones placed to capture the natural stereo spread. The result was a haunting, spiritual version that influenced countless artists, including Aretha Franklin and Elton John.

During the tour, youll hear the original multitrack tapes separatedvocals on one channel, piano on another, the echo chamber on a third. Its a lesson in spatial recording.

Example 4: Bob Dylans Unreleased Sessions (1975)

Dylan spent three days at the studio in 1975, recording demos that were never officially released. These tracksfeaturing just Dylan, a guitar, and a single micwere later leaked in bootleg form. In 2021, the studio officially released a curated selection from these sessions as part of their Lost Tapes archive project.

On the tour, you can listen to The Last Train from these sessions, a haunting ballad that showcases Dylans voice echoing softly in the sanctuarys stone walls. The rawness of the recordingcoughs, string squeaks, breathsis what makes it timeless.

FAQs

Is the Church Studio accessible for people with mobility challenges?

The main sanctuary and control room are wheelchair-accessible via a ramp. However, the archive room and some upper-level areas require stairs. Please notify the studio in advance when booking so accommodations can be arranged.

Can I record music during my visit?

Only scheduled artists and workshop participants can record. However, visitors are welcome to observe sessions from designated areas. If youre a musician, inquire about the studios artist-in-residence program.

Are children allowed on tours?

Yes, children aged 10 and older are welcome. Younger children may find the tour too long or quiet. The studio offers a Music Discovery Kit for kids with interactive audio samples and coloring sheets.

Do I need to know anything about audio engineering to enjoy the tour?

No. The guides tailor explanations to all levels of knowledge. Whether youre a seasoned producer or a casual fan, youll find something meaningful.

How long do the tours last?

Standard tours are 90 minutes. The extended Behind the Boards experience lasts 2.5 hours and includes a hands-on demo with tape machines.

Can I buy music recorded at the Church Studio?

Yes. The studios gift shop sells limited-edition vinyl pressings, cassette tapes, and digital downloads of rare recordings. Proceeds support preservation efforts.

Is the studio open year-round?

Yes, but hours vary by season. Summer and fall have the most frequent tours. Winter months may have reduced availability. Always check the website before planning your visit.

What if I want to host a private event at the Church Studio?

The studio hosts weddings, concerts, and film shoots by special arrangement. Contact the events team through their website for availability and pricing.

Can I volunteer at the Church Studio?

Yes. Volunteers assist with archiving, tour guiding, and community outreach. No prior experience is requiredjust a passion for music history.

Conclusion

Touring the Church Studio is more than a visit to a historic buildingits a pilgrimage for anyone who believes in the power of music to transcend time. In an age dominated by algorithms, auto-tune, and infinite digital layers, the Church Studio stands as a quiet monument to the art of human performance, captured with warmth, imperfection, and soul.

By following this guidefrom research and booking to reflection and sharingyou dont just witness history; you become part of its continuation. The studios legacy lives not only in the records it produced but in the people who still walk its floors, listen to its echoes, and carry its spirit forward.

Whether youre an audio engineer seeking the roots of analog warmth, a music lover tracing the lineage of your favorite songs, or a traveler drawn to hidden cultural gems, the Church Studio offers an experience unlike any other. It doesnt shout. It doesnt dazzle. It simply playsand if you listen closely, it tells you everything you need to know about what music truly is.

Plan your visit. Listen deeply. And let the walls of the Church Studio remind you that the most powerful recordings are not the most polishedbut the most honest.