The grand C. Bechstein piano

Luke Garrett / Editor in Chief / The USD Vista

A mix of spontaneity, beauty, and intimacy greet those lucky enough to encounter the C. Bechstein grand piano being played in the University Center (UC). It is tough to tell whether it is the UC’s stone floors, high ceilings, or simply the quality of the piano itself that gives its sound such vigor. Regardless, this C. Bechstein piano is surely a jewel of the University of San Diego’s campus. 

The piano has been on USD’s campus for well over 25 years according Toñis Manriquez, Assistant Director of UC and Staff Development. Much like all pianos of its stature, it is tuned once a year or anytime it is moved from its current home in the UC East Alcove. The piano tuner himself loves to work on the C. Bechstein according to Manriquez – he considers it to be a valuable and wonderful piano. 

Despite the piano’s quality in build, its true value lies in its use by USD students. A whole gamut of music can be heard from the piano’s ivory-white keys – from Disney sing-alongs to classical nocturnes. Upon hearing the former, groups often gather around the black curved structure of the grand singing along and sometimes even dancing. The latter invites lone students to the comfy upholstered chairs surrounding the C.  Bechstein to sit back and relax. 

With such frequent use, the grand piano has been refurbished three times in the last 25 years, Manriquez shared. Although parts have been replaced, the piano has held true to its duty to strike the cords it is told. Today it stands strong as a tried and true unifying instrument that provides an opportunity for  students to play for others and those other students to listen.