Piano Haven Recording Studio – Sedona, AZ

It’s a contemporary composer’s dream… a gorgeously warm & clear Shigeru Kawai concert grand (just take a listen below)… a relaxed & truly comfortable environment, a seasoned engineer at the helm who happens to be an accomplished pianist/composer.

inspiring red rock backdrop!

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.

Take a listen here to some of the latest tracks recorded on our Shigeru SK7L & mastered at Piano Haven:

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tips from Joe on being truly prepared for your recording sessions. A “must read” for piano artists! Click HERE

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Testimonials from a few renowned artists:

Ryan Marvel – contemporary/classical/jazz
Ryan Marvel | Multi-award winning artist

“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 – contemporary/Christian
Over 1 billion spins on Pandora

I’ve recorded my last five albums at Piano Haven and I just could NOT be happier. It is simply the best place I know to record solo piano, and I’ve known a few! I recorded my first nine albums in other, “professional” studio environments and I always found them stressful places to be. At Piano Haven, it’s a totally different story, because the environment is so relaxed and chill. The result is, *I* feel relaxed… and when I feel relaxed, I play better, and that shows up in the recordings. The other thing… you will not find a piano anywhere that is better cared for and maintained. It makes all the difference in the world that Joe Bongiorno, the studio owner, is a solo pianist and recording artist as well. He keeps that Shigeru Kawai piano in pristine condition… and it just sounds gorgeous! If you’re looking for a place to record your next piano project, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t check out Piano Haven. It’s well worth the trip… even if you have to fly across the world to do it!

David Nevue, Eugene, OR
David recorded “Adoration”, “Revelation”, “A Delicate Joy”, “Open Sky”, “Winding Down” & “In the Soft Light of Grace” at Piano Haven

Gary Girouard – contemporary
2012 album of the year at Whisperings Solo Piano Radio!!!
“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

Chad Lawson – modern classical
There are rooms that record sound, and then there are rooms that capture the soul. Piano Haven Studio is the latter of these two. Hosting a piano that is unmatched in its touch and sound, one cannot help to be transported into celestial elevations of their craft. The ideal and relaxed setting of the environment with windows overlooking the Red Rocks, to the genuine hospitality and care of owner Joe Bongiorno, the lack of anything is well, lacking. Embodied by a state of the art recording facility while Bongiorno serves as a well-seasoned engineer, I honestly cannot think of a more inviting, comfortable and professional studio to record solo piano. I feel as if I have found my second home.
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 – piano + vocals
Discovering Piano Haven and Joe Bongiorno have been good fortune for me and my music. Having recently completed three albums working with Joe, I have only great things to say about my experience as well as records that I am completely happy with. While on my search for the right piano sound and feel as well as studio ambiance, Piano Haven was right on the mark. Inclusive in the deal was Joe with his talents as engineer, who is a gem. I will be returning to Piano Haven for future recording projects. It is a shame I am not recording a new album every few months simply to bask in the enjoyment of playing on Piano Haven’s Shigeru Kawai while Joe quietly encourages behind the recording console working his magic.

Mary Lydia Ryan, Seattle, WA

Philip Wesley – iTunes #1 artist
” I loved recording “Hope Endures” & “Heart to Hand”at Piano Haven Studio! Everything was so relaxed and stress free.The piano sound was absolutely amazing! Out of all my experiences with recording studios, this was by far my most productive recording session ever. Joe is a fantastic engineer and easy to work with… from beginning to end, everything went smooth. I highly recommend Piano Haven Studio!”

Philip Wesley, Nashville, TN – an iTunes New Age #1 artist in January 2012

 

Greg Maroney – classical / new age
” I recorded my album “The Journey” at Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven Recording Studio and had the best recording experience ever. I have recorded in a lot of other studios, on a lot of other pianos, but never have I felt comfortable and relaxed enough to just let the music flow out my fingers. In two days I had all the takes I needed to bring the album to master. Joe’s piano is simply superb. It has a rich and sparkling tone which allows the melody to be crystal clear, the action is tight and fast and the touch allows for a wide range of dynamics, from very quiet to very loud. The room is excellent, with tall ceilings and nice acoustics.
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

Matthew Mayer – Billboard #1 Artist
Matthew Mayer’s “Beautiful You” debuted at #1 on the Billboard New Age Charts & won Whisperings Album of the Year in 2018

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

Christine Brown – Kawai Artist
  “Promise” (2009), “Wishing Well (2011) & Souvenirs (2014) were all recorded at Piano Haven & nominated for ‘album of the year’ by Whisperings Solo Piano Radio!!!

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

Tim Glemser- Kawai Artist
Tim’s “Onata Lux” won Album of the Year at SoloPianoChristmas.com

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 LightFlight 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”