Who Does That?

You do!

Have a few minutes and a song in your heart? Can you tickle the ivories like Liberace, Lady Gaga or John Legend? Have a seat at the Steinway Grand Piano in the Taylor Lounge of the Erb Memorial Union and share your talent with the world. The piano is available for any employee, student or visitor to play. 

When the EMU first reopened after the 2016 remodel, people were reluctant to play so there was a small “Piano Team” of three to five students who were paid to play for five hours per week. That was discontinued in 2018, because the piano was in almost constant use again. 

The EMU has had a piano in the Taylor Lounge since 1950, and in all that time it has been available for open play. Steinway pianos are built in New York, since 1853.

Laurie Woodward, retired EMU director, believes that the Steinway in the lounge is the original one, but there are also some rumors of a trade with the college of fine arts back in the early 1960s. At any rate, the piano in the Taylor Lounge is over 75 years old, has been refurbished once and is tuned every time patrons complain (or once every six months whether it needs it or not).

Next time you wonder who is playing the piano in the EMU, ask yourself, why not you?