Jim Hurley, multi-instrumental performer, composer and educator, began playing violin in the Livermore public schools, and later explored rock guitar and bass, jazz and world music, improvisation and composition. He studied violin with Dr. Madeline Schatz, protege of Jascha Heifetz and Josef Gingold, at Humboldt State University. He earned his B.A., Music in violin performance, and attended master classes with Rostislav Dubinsky, Gabor and Peter Rejto, and Kathleen Winkler.

Jim’s professional credits include performances and recordings with Queen Ida’s Grammy-winning Bon Temps Zydeco Band, Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, all-China zheng virtuoso Zhao Hui, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (with Jon Anderson from Yes), Kenneth Nash (Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Dizzie Gillespie alumnus), Dan Hicks, Al Stewart, Josh Groban, Smokey Robinson, Stanley Jordan, the Waybacks, Tempest, Ancient Future, and many other artists and ensembles.

TV credits include appearances on NBC's Saturday Night Live and CNN’s Worldbeat and Showbiz Today.

Radio credits include appearances on A Prairie Home Companion and West Coast Weekend, and airplay of Jim’s original music on over 300 stations, including KKSF, KPFA, NPR news, and “The Wave”.

Notable live performances include the New Orleans and Monterey jazz festivals, the Philadelphia, Winnipeg and Strawberry folk music festivals, a few stadiums, a dozen or so european castles, and audiences in 15 countries.