Save Michiko Studios

Shortly after saxophone repairman, Roberto Romeo moved from Italy to NYC; he opened Michiko Studios. What started as four small rooms behind his repair desk quickly grew into so much more. To meet the needs of customers, Roberto hand-built 19 new practice rooms. Now managed by Roberto’s daughter, Michiko Studios is where musicians create and connect seven days a week.

We are one of the few family-owned small businesses remaining on what used to be known as “Music Row” in New York City’s Time Square. The growth we’ve experienced in the last 30 years has only been possible because of you. Thank you for being with us every step of the way.

After the state-mandated shutdown due to COVID in 2020, no relief from our landlord, and little help from the state, keeping our doors open has been a constant struggle. We are devastated to announce that we are being forced out of our building by the end of November 2022.

Inspired by our customers: we’re committed to being endlessly creative, ambitious, and resilient.

We’re relocating to 15 W39th. (With two elevators). Blueprint in hand, we have 18 new studios to build. We want to continue providing affordable rehearsal spaces for New York musicians and would love your support in making this possible.

We aim to raise $100,000 for our relocation costs. With your support, the new studio will be up and running by November, so our customers don’t miss a beat.

We hope this quote from the Great Benny Golson on our founder, and owner Roberto Romeo may inspire you to help us:

“Over the course of many years, Roberto has been much more than a mere saxophone repairman in my life. He’s been a friend waiting to help me out in any way possible, making my life a bit easier. Once in a critical situation, when my horn gave out on me and I came to him in a panic needing a horn that very day I was leaving town, he gave me a brand new saxophone to use. I couldn’t believe it. His arms are not short when it comes to generosity. He has no limit as to expertise who overflows with kindness, professionalism, love, and trust. This man is iconic just because he is who he is. I love him. Nobody else is quite like him.

-Benny Golson.

Michiko Studios became more than we ever dreamed of when our family started in this country. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this fantastic journey, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Michiko Rehearsal Studios.

-The Romeo Family