Jim Hurley founded Open Strings Music Studio in 1997 in the loft of the historic Schenone Building in downtown Livermore. He soon added artists’ studios and founded Art Works Studios, with a variety of art classes, events and programs sharing a spacious facility with his music program.

The property eventually changed hands; the studio, and its artists and teachers, had to move in 2003. A two-bedroom cottage on Second Street was remodeled; a small group of music teachers shared three lesson studios, and a few art classes continued on in this new, comfortable location.

The comfy environment became increasingly expensive and the studio was again compelled to move. Fine Fretted Friends music store, downtown, was expanding, and Jim helped to design a suite of lesson studios that became, in October 2007, a new Open Strings.

The 2008 economy, alas, was not helpful to music retailers, and Jim next outfitted a studio at his home, which became the latest Open Strings Music Studio in March 2009. Improvements continue. Stay tuned for updates.