Piano Haven Recording Studio – Sedona, AZ
The atmosphere is perfect – a cozy haven amidst the breath-taking red rocks of Sedona, AZ. A meticulously maintained 7’7” Shigeru Kawai SK-7L (a very rare handmade collector’s piano)… world class recording & mastering gear… and a patient, experienced engineer who lives & breathes piano music, Shigeru Kawai Artist – Joe Bongiorno. This is not your traditional recording studio. It’s a specialty studio focusing on PIANO & emphasizing a peaceful, relaxed, productive environment. We have engineered over 400 piano based albums since inception in 2010.
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Need to make some high quality videos for your website or youtube? Joe can record you in HD with world class sound! Check out our YouTube Channel HERE
For the aspiring recording artist
tips from Joe on being truly prepared for your recording sessions. A “must read” for piano artists! Click HERE
Testimonials from a few renowned artists:
“I first began recording my projects at Piano Haven Studio in summer 2017. I have visited the studio five times since, recording three albums and several singles. Each time I have been there, I am reminded why I love coming back: Joe Bongiorno has created a sacred space in which to make music.
The recording room is an extremely comfortable and perfectly spacious. The piano is second to none – a Shigeru SK-7L. The touch and balance of this instrument lend to a beautiful true piano sound. I often record pretty soft stuff and am quite picky about the touch of an instrument. I can play pianissimo effortlessly on this instrument while still maintaining a warm tone. Joe maintains his piano with great care and will gladly tweak the tuning at a moment’s notice if need be. Sitting and playing this beauty while looking out upon the red rocks and trees is certainly a highlight of the experience – one that always seems to put me at ease.
Professionally, Joe is a great asset to the piano recording world. He is an accomplished solo piano artist himself, so understands the nuance that goes into the difference between a good and great recording. He seems to only offer his opinion to me on one of my pieces *after* I ask him, and always does so in an honest and gentle manner. His mastering skills are clear and creative, often sending me options to compare on the sound I am looking for. Personally, Joe and I have become friends throughout my visits, going out for coffee and chatting between sessions. He always has a smile, enjoys what he does, and is encouraging and relaxed.
I am grateful to have created my last three projects here. And I know that they would not have sounded nearly as good without the expertise, attention to detail and care given by Joe. I look forward to making more music in this vary aptly named sanctuary.”
Ryan Marvel, Fort Collins, CO
Ryan recorded at Piano Haven:
“Generous Night, Redeem” – 2019 Whisperings Radio Album of the Year
“Winter II” – 2018 SoloPianoChristmas.com Album of the Year
“Reflecting Forward” – 2017 Whisperings Radio Album of the Year & SoloPiano.com Album of the Year
David Nevue, Eugene, OR
David recorded “Adoration”, “Revelation”, “A Delicate Joy”, “Open Sky”, “Winding Down” & “In the Soft Light of Grace” at Piano Haven
“I recorded my last three albums at Piano Haven Studio…and WOW, what an incredible experience! The piano was immaculate. The environment was comfortable and relaxed (just the way I like it!)… and Joe was a consummate professional who understands the intricacies of a solo piano recording. Joe’s got an incredible ear, understands the equipment ‘inside-out’, and is an absolute joy to work with. If you’re looking to record a piano album, look no further…I HIGHLY recommend Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven Studio! Thanks Joe – you’re the best!”
Gary recorded “Naked Piano – Light and Dark, “Naked Piano – Elements” & “Naked Piano – Transitions” at Piano Haven
— Gary Girouard, Fallmouth, MA
I have had the opportunity to record and perform on many pianos throughout the world and I must say the piano is by far one of the greatest I have ever played. So much so as to tell owner, Bongiorno, of my hopes to take it off his hands whenever the time comes for him to change the scenery of his studio.
For solo piano recordings, there simply are no other options for me…
— Chad Lawson, Whisperings’ Album of the Year nominee in 2011
Chad recorded his nominated release “The Piano” & “A Solo Piano Christmas” at Piano Haven
— Mary Lydia Ryan, Seattle, WA
— Philip Wesley, Nashville, TN – an iTunes New Age #1 artist in January 2012
Joe was a great engineer for the album. His guidance was invaluable, and his personality certainly set me at ease so I was in the right frame of mind for recording. All in all it was a great experience and the music speaks for itself!”
— Greg Maroney, York, PA
” Having recorded solo piano music since the late 90’s, my main pursuit in the studio is capturing the “feeling” of the composition. That feeling is tough to imprint in environments that can seem restrictive, pressurized, or working around the instrument and/or equipment that is out of your control. Piano Haven Studio in Sedona, AZ has created an optimal environment, and the tools necessary for piano artists to capture the true expression of their compositions. Joe is a professional engineer. Not only will he artistically meet you where you are, but also has an innate sense of what you are looking for in a finished product. A truly wonderful studio! “
– Matthew recorded “Art” & “Beautiful You” at Piano Haven
— Matthew Mayer – Omaha , NE
Since discovering Piano Haven, I have recorded 4 albums there with Joe Bongiorno. Joe’s Shigeru Kawai SK7 has a clear tone and rich piano sound which is incredible! Recording on this beautiful instrument made the experience magical. It is always a great experience recording with Joe. A fellow pianist and composer, he is a master at recording solo piano. He is experienced in the studio, with an excellent ear and engineering abilities specific to recording piano. Plus, friendly and professional sessions in a relaxed atmosphere where you feel comfortable and at home, not a cold studio environment. This combination makes it the perfect place to record a piano album. The music flowed naturally and I was very happy with the performances. I have never had this experience at any other recording studio – nor could I ever find a piano that I was satisfied with. In addition, he also masters your CD, making the final product a wonderful experience. Thank you, Joe, for helping me make this CD and all the others something I am very proud of!
—Christine Brown, San Diego, CA
“When I recorded my first solo piano album, it was a very new experience for me, but Joe immediately helped me feel relaxed and comfortable. Since then, I have recorded all of my albums at Piano Haven. I like to think of it as my “home away from home.” Sedona, AZ is the perfect place for musical inspiration. And the Shigeru Kawai piano is AMAZING! It is a first-class instrument. You couldn’t ask for a better piano in a recording studio. Joe is an expert engineer. The design of the studio, the equipment, and Joe’s ability as both an engineer and pianist make this the perfect place for any artist seeking to record piano music. The combination of quality and intimacy is unbeatable.”
— Tim Glemser – Kawai Artist – Mesa, AZ
Recent Notable Projects:
Whisperings Solo Piano Vol I & 2
Each album showcases music from 16 Whisperings artists including David Lanz, Wayne Gratz, David Nevue, Philip Wesley, Michele McLaughlin, Joe Bongiorno & many more! Vol 1 – Vol 2
Read all about the making of the Whisperings I album right HERE in this interview with Joe & David Nevue by Kathy Parsons of Mainly Piano
SoloPianoChristmas.com – Christmas Whisperings Vol 1 & Vol 2
David Nevue (OR) – “Revelation“, “Adoration” “Winding Down“, Open Sky , A Delicate Joy
Philip Wesley (TN) – “Hope Endures” & Heart to Hands
Joe Yamada (WA) – “A Mini Chistmas Album” & Imagination
Chad Lawson (NC) – “The Piano” & Solo Piano Christmas
Louis Landon (NY) – “Solo Piano for Peace” , “For Peace, Love & Mermaids” & A Peaceful Christmas, Sedona on My Mind, & Healing Piano of Sedona
Joe Bongiorno (AZ) – Love’s Light, Flight of a Dream, “Into the Wind”, “A Candlelight Christmas” , “Mesmerized” & Somewhere Within
Christine Brown (CA) – “Souvenirs“, “Promise” , Wishing Well , A Classic Christmas
Greg Maroney (PA) – “The Journey”
Gary Girouard (MA) – “The Naked Piano – Transitions”, “The Naked Piano III – Light & Dark” & “The Naked Piano – Elements”
Matthew Mayer (NE) – “ ART”
Joseph Akins (TN) – “Castle Moon”
Anne Trenning (NC) – “The Butterfly Waltz”
Steven Cravis (CA) – “Healing Piano Music”
Brad Jacobsen (WA) – Pastorale, “Road Home” , Deck the Halls , Thirteen Tales , “The Arrow and the Song“, Midnight Clear
Tim Glemser (AZ) – “Painted Echoes” , Boundless , “Spirit of Montana”, Onata Lux
Adam Andrews (CO) – “Prayers in the Dark”
Rhonda Mackert (WA) – “The Wonder of Christmas”, “A Wild Beauty” & Safe Harbor
Amy Janelle (WA) – “Shining True” & “A New Direction”
Zachary Bruno (AZ) – “Before the Rain” & Dawn’s Light
Shoshana Michel (NY) – “Dancing on the Wind”
John Albert Thomas (TN) – “Light Has Come”, “Now I Sleep”
Mary Lydia Ryan (WA) – “Sunshine & Second Chances” , “Where Can I Leave My Heart“, and “Moving in Grace”
Cathy Oakes (TN) – “Like a Song” & “To See You Again”
Jeremy Yowell (IL) – “Beautiful Shores” & Shepherd’s Glen
Aaron Barber (CA) – “Still Shining”
Richard Dillon (WA) – “Ring Around the Moon & Land of Nod”
Marshall Barnhouse (WV) – “Awakened”