YouAlberta
If you’ve walked through SUB recently, you’ll have seen a new addition opposite the Daily Grind – a beautiful piano donated by U of A alumnus Keen Sung, who graduated in 2011 with a computer science degree.
Keen remembers times when the basement was a hub of student life. Back then, an old, beat-up piano was the centrepiece of a musicians’ club, an unofficial living room where students gathered every Friday to practice, perform and simply be together. “It was like a home away from home,” Keen mentions, highlighting the role the club played in his university experience.
Keen’s donation of the piano has created an environment where creativity thrives. It provides an opportunity for the U of A community to experiment with playing music without the fear of judgment. In Keen’s view, the piano is a starting point — a stepping stone that encourages even the most inexperienced players to leap into public performance. “It’s just another opportunity for someone to get exposure and try out performing,” he notes, imagining a future where the piano becomes a well-used performance space during off-study hours.
I had the opportunity to hear student Zoe Yee play music for the Lunar New Year. Zoe’s relationship with the piano in SUB is personal. With about 15 years of piano experience, she finds peace in the instrument’s familiar keys, using it to manage the stresses of academic life. “When I play, everything else just washes away,” Zoe explains. “It’s like the music takes over and gives me a moment of pure creativity and calm.” Her dedication to practice is not only about perfecting her craft; it’s about creating a space where she can reconnect with her roots and share her passion with others. I truly enjoyed listening to her playing classical Chinese songs like Gongxy Gongxy (congratulations) and Da Yu (Big Fish).
The piano's broader impact on SUB extends beyond individual performances. It sparks conversations about how university spaces can bring art into everyday life. More than just an instrument, this piano shows how we can balance the pressures of our studies with our dreams and hobbies. I’ve seen firsthand how music offers a break from the constant rush of deadlines and exams. As campus life today gravitates toward organized events and structured activities, the piano gives us a chance to experience an organic environment where students are free to express themselves. It also supports the university’s goal of creating safe, accessible and connected campuses, one of seven key themes in Igniting Purpose: The Student Experience Action Plan.
Reflecting on Keen's donation, I can’t help but feel that this piano can be seen as a symbol of unity and cultural diversity. For me, it’s proof that art doesn’t need a grand stage to make a meaningful impact. I’ve witnessed how its everyday presence enriches lives. Whether it’s through the performance of a musician like Zoe or a spontaneous jam session with friends, the piano captures the very essence of what makes SUB feel like home.
Keen’s also floated the idea of a shared community space where everyone pitches in to maintain the piano. Acknowledging that the instrument needs regular tuning, which ideally should occur every quarter, he’s suggested that the community develop a model of shared responsibility. This would transform the piano from a donation into an evolving part of campus life. By contributing to its upkeep, students not only ensure that the instrument remains in good condition but also reinforce their commitment to a culture of communal care.
Every time I walk past, I’m reminded that even the simplest act of creativity can transform a community. Keen's generous gift has done more than just provide a platform for artistic expression — it brings about a spirit of togetherness. Watching students like Zoe celebrate her heritage and contribute to a legacy of shared experience through music makes the U of A feel like home.