A strong response by students to a fairly impromptu lunchtime jam session on the baby grand piano at USC Gallery last week has given rise to a new cultural activity on campus.

Gallery staff invited students to a “Play Me” session from noon to 1pm on Friday 27 March and it struck such a chord that moves are afoot to hold these sessions once a week.

USC Gallery Assistant Curator Lou Jaeger said about 40 students attended the event, with 10 displaying their talents at tinkling the ivories throughout the hour.

“The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing and it was so great to appreciate the students’ talents,” she said.

“They mostly played classical pieces and were really considerate as they stayed and listened to each other play.”

Ms Jaeger said one international student was ecstatic to find a piano on which to practise.

“A German student called Timothy was so excited to have a piano to play on as he plays at home in Germany but currently lives here in student accommodation,” she said.

“He asked to come and use the piano as much as possible, which he is most welcome to do and he was a fantastic player.”

The Play Me sessions are being supported by USC’s new friends of the Art Gallery group, FRANK about art – a student collective with “a united vision to actualise and embrace an artistic community at USC."

Upcoming Play Me dates are 12-1pm on 17 April, 1 May, 8 May and 15 May and will also be mentioned on the Gallery's Facebook page.

Pictured: German student Timothy Morton-Rennalls plays the baby grand piano at USC Gallery in a photograph by Will Art Photography

— Brent Hampstead