Oakland University student launches ‘Caring with Keys’ to bring live music to senior living communities

For many residents in senior living communities, the piano sitting quietly in a common room often goes untouched. For Oakland University student Christian Cummings, those silent instruments became the inspiration for a volunteer initiative dedicated to bringing music — and meaningful connection — to seniors.

Cummings is the founder and president of Caring with Keys, an organization that sends volunteer pianists from a variety of backgrounds to nursing homes and senior living communities to play music for residents. The concept is simple: volunteers sit down at a facility’s piano and perform for residents, creating moments of joy through live music and conversation.

While Cummings founded the organization, Caring with Keys is supported by a team of student leaders who help coordinate volunteers, manage scheduling and build partnerships with senior living communities. Early performances were organized by Cummings and Vice President Zachary Brimm, and other student team members assist with technology, communications and outreach as the initiative continues to grow.

The idea for Caring with Keys first took shape while Cummings was working as an EMT. Early in his career, many of his calls involved transporting elderly patients from senior living facilities to hospitals — experiences that left a lasting impression.

“These calls were often very somber,” Cummings said. “I would move a patient from their bed to a stretcher and wheel them out past their friends and neighbors. Almost every facility had a piano sitting in the corner collecting dust.”

Seniors at Waltonwood University listen as OU student Christian Cummings plays piano

A lifelong pianist, Cummings said it was difficult to see instruments sitting unused while residents remained in quiet common areas.

“If I see a piano in public, I usually sit down and play to brighten someone’s day,” he said. “But during those calls I couldn’t just stop working and play.”

Eventually, he realized he could return to the facilities during his free time. After visiting a few on his own, he recognized the need was much larger than he could meet alone. He began envisioning a network of volunteer pianists who could regularly perform for residents across the region.

Cummings shared the idea with his friend Leen Said, who encouraged him to pursue it. From there, he began building what would become Caring with Keys, developing a website, scheduling system and volunteer network to connect pianists with senior living communities.

The organization’s first performances were delivered by Cummings and Brimm at Waltonwood University in Rochester Hills, Mich. Cummings remembers feeling nervous as he played for residents during that first visit.

“I was holding my breath the entire time,” he said. “I just hoped that when I finished playing, the residents would clap.”

They did — and afterward several residents stayed to talk with him about the music and his background.

“They even asked me how long I’d been a professional pianist,” Cummings said. “I’m not a professional, but I took that as a sign they really enjoyed it.”

While the music itself is meaningful, Cummings said the conversations between volunteers and residents often become the most memorable part of the visits. After performances, students frequently stay to talk with residents about their studies, career goals and life experiences.

“Sometimes someone will go for an hour and spend 20 minutes just talking afterward,” he said. “Residents ask about school, majors and future plans — and the conversations just keep going.”

Senior living staff say those interactions can have a powerful impact.

“Christian reached out to me to provide rewarding volunteer work for music students,” said Donna Donakowski, assisted living life enrichment manager at Waltonwood University. “The residents really appreciate the beautiful music provided by the students and, more importantly, they look forward to discussions with the students about their music, academic pursuits and plans for the future.”

According to Donakowski, those conversations create meaningful connections between generations.

“The dynamic interactions give our residents hope and a positive outlook for the future and remind them of a time when they were young and full of enthusiasm and creativity,” she said.

A senior at Waltonwood University watches as OU student Christian Cummings plays piano

Cummings says his experience at Oakland University has played an important role in shaping both the organization and his growth as a musician. In particular, the piano located in the Oakland Center became an unexpected training ground.

“When I first came to OU, I was terrified to play when other people were around,” he said. “I would only play late at night when the room was empty.”

Over time, he noticed students gathering when he played, and the experience helped him grow more comfortable performing in public.

“I realized people actually wanted to hear the music,” he said. “OU helped me grow as a pianist and become confident playing in front of others.”

Caring with Keys is also supported by faculty at Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Dr. Alta Marie Boover, associate professor of voice, serves as the organization’s faculty advisor, supporting the student leadership team as they grow the initiative and connect more musicians with opportunities to share their talents in the community.

Although Caring with Keys faced early logistical challenges — from developing scheduling systems to organizing volunteers — interest from senior living communities has continued to grow. Facilities regularly request additional performances, and Cummings hopes to expand the program to reach even more residents.

His long-term vision is simple: to ensure that no senior living community has to sit in silence.

“No one should have to spend their days without music,” he said.

Students interested in volunteering with Caring with Keys can learn more or sign up to perform at caringwithkeys.org.