Two key employees of the recently closed Smith-Holden Music store in downtown Bloomington have opened their own venture, Melody Music Shop.

Michelle Giansante and Paul Price hope to replicate Smith-Holden’s offerings, except on a smaller scale. Their 1,300-square-foot space at 402 W. Sixth St. has seven studios, three with pianos. Giansante said lessons and instrument rentals are at the Smith-Holden rate. The shop sells instruments and sheet music and repairs instruments.

George Holden closed the store at 222 W. Kirkwood Ave. last month after 47 years in business. Giansante said Holden, 74, was ready to retire.

Giansante and Price knew Holden’s business well; Giansante was lessons coordinator and Price was sales manager.