Proving Ground Studio

Simi Valley, United States

4.7

7 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 805-520-7917
Address:
1871 Tapo Street, Simi Valley, CA, 93063
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.8 miSimi Valley
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Today

Today –
Local time (Simi Valley) 11:39 AM Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Pro Tools HD recording studio (we are not a rehearsal studio). We specialize in recording music, but have also recorded voice overs, audio books, sound effects/​foley… We’re open to try anything!

Geared toward organic, real musician recording… real drums, real piano, real Hammond organ, mic’d guitar amps. Pro Tools HD! Incredible editing and sound! Audio Books, Poetry, Mastering.

Extremely great vibe, inspiring and comfortable. A great place to record and create. By appointment only

History

Established in 1992.

Proving Ground Studio started in a garage in Simi Valley in 1992 and has had 4 different locations, expanding both know how and space. We’re now currently in our largest facility ever and are very excited about our latest adventure in recording! Owner/​Engineer Curt Piar has been recording music for over 20 years, and playing music for over 35 years.

Meet the Business Owner

Curt P.

Business Owner

Curt Piar has been playing music for over 35 years, has played on countless recordings and too many live shows to remember. Although he considers himself to be «just a guitar player», he is also proficient on bass guitar, percussion, backing vocals, and is not afraid to attempt pretty much anything musical.

Curt has been recording full time for over 20 years, and had been doing it «part time» for at least an additional 5 years. Since Curt is a musician first he is very sensitive to the musicians perspective of recording. His approach is more musical and intuitive as opposed to technical. Curt has produced and co-​produced many recording projects. His approach to producing is comparatively «non-​intrusive», which means his goal is to help the artist achieve their musical vision, not to put his «stamp» on the project and make it sound like a «Curt Piar Production».

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«Great Burgers, fries and shakes!»

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7 reviews of Proving Ground Studio

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Universal City, Los Angeles, CA
I recorded here a few years back as a session player for a Country song. I brought with me two of the hardest to record instruments: An Upright Bass, and a Squareneck Dobro. Curt (the owner and engineer) amazed me with his mic choice and placement and was immediately able to capture the sound that I hear coming from my beloved instruments. Curt has that rare talent that all musicians crave from a recording studio engineer, and he has a great space to do it in that inspires confidence and allows you to express exactly whatever you want to contribute to a song. I only regret that I have but two thumbs to give a BIG THUMBS UP!
Place rating: 5
Simi Valley, CA
I have been recording with Curt Piar since 2005. Honestly, it would be impossible for me to convey my love and respect for this wonderful family. Curt’s abilities are immense and his talent, amazing. I have literally come to Curt with some basic rhythm tracks and he has transformed them into fully instrumented songs that sound unbelievable. Curt has relationships with amazing talent and he has built such solid relationships with each of these artist that they willingly offer their services for very reasonable prices. Certainly a fraction of their worth compared to industry norms.
Curt has also been a wonderful teacher and has truly improved my song writing abilities 100 fold. His mixing sense is unprecedented and I am always amazed at how he «Just Gets It»… Curt is also a purist, preferring to encourage each artist to play it right or sing it correctly as opposed to «Fixing» with audio tricks. Don’t get me wrong, he can fix anything. He simply presses each artist to be the best they can be.
In Closing… My music reading ability is elementary at best. I understand basic music theory and have only a general understanding of the circle of fifths and pita-​tonic scales. Curt uses his eclectic ear and innate music sense to define that wonderful blend of rhythm and melody. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, you will find no better musician and engineer. Truly amazing.
Place rating: 3
Moorpark, CA
Called several times and it went to voicemail and left Facebook messages with no reply
Place rating: 5
Emeryville, CA
Beautiful studio, amazingly supportive atmosphere. Crazily affordable. The best quality at a very reasonable price, this is a steal, a steal! Curt and Sheryl are the most lovely folks. Booked me very last minute to record a little something for my wedding. It was a truly remarkable experience. Highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
For the past 15 years, my studio of choice has been Proving Ground. I’ve recorded five albums here, meaning I’ve been entrenched there for months at a time. Each time has been one of the most enjoyable times of my life.
Proving Ground Studio is a mom and pop business in the truest sense. Curt and Sheryl Piar run the place as if it were their own home, always going out of their way to make you feel welcome.
Curt’s the engineer, and what a talent he is. So much so, that I’ve given him co-​producer credit on each of my albums. Not only does he know the control board like the back of his hand, he can play guitar like nobody’s business. He’s also a killer bassist and drummer.
And here’s the best part: there’s no ego. Not like you’ll find at so many other studios. Curt genuinely wants you to have the best recording experience of your life, no matter if this is your first recording session, or your millionth.
Call Proving Ground today. You won’t be sorry!
Place rating: 5
Simi Valley, CA
For PRODUCING AWESOME MUSIC there is no better professional studio that is affordable that can deliver you a high quality sound. There is also no talented and nicer studio engineer than Curt Piar. You will leave there with great sounding tracks as you hug him goodbye.
Place rating: 5
Newbury Park, CA
I have been recording with Curt PMG for 2 decades now. His is, by far, the most creative and comfortable studio I’ve ever been in. As a songwriter and as a bandleader, I’ve recorded, mixed and mastered everything and have received great reviews on the sound of my work. eBluesHighway songs have been featured on HBO’s hit series «TRUE BLOOD». I invite you to go to CDBaby, ITunes, etc. and you can hear the production values for yourself. I am currently writing and preparing for my solo recording «MICHAEL WESLEY HUGHES» and all the tracking will be done at PMG… You will not find a more conducive atmosphere for creating anywhere, and you will end the constant hope for finding the perfect studio… Here it is.