CONWAY, Ark. (KTHV) -- The University of Central Arkansas is on its way to becoming an "All-Steinway School."
A fundraising event at UCA on Thursday was held in hopes to collect enough money to purchase 43 Steinway pianos for their music program.
“It feels more natural. You can just feel it, the moment you start pressing the keys and playing,” said Liz Taylor-McMullen. She’s getting her graduate degree through UCA's music program.
She's majoring in Euphonium, but piano is a passion of hers that she uses regularly in school.
“I can accompany people. I can pick out my own part if I have a hard time hearing it on my euphonium, I can go to a piano and make sure I’m hitting exactly the right pitch,” said Taylor-McMullen.
No matter the major, any student going through UCA's music program can benefit from Steinway Piano.
“It has a better sound because of the craftsmanship they stay in tune longer,” said Taylor-McMullen.
Having this high quality piano at their disposal to learn from, students' music degrees become more prestigious.
“Creates all the creditability you need to recruit better students, more serious students,” said Joe Whisenhunt, Board of UCA Trustees.
Whisenhunt says this move shows dedication to the program.
“We could become the Julliard of the south,” said Whisenhunt.
So far UCA raised $300,000. They need $3 million fund all 43 new Steinways.
“We hope to accomplish that in the next 18 months,” said Whisenhunt.
What makes these pianos so unique is that they are almost completely hand crafted, and take 12 months to build each one.
The company is excited to make more of a stamp in the southern U.S.
“To be able to connect with the heritage and history that exists here is quite fabulous,” said Alex Vitoux, executive director for Steinway & Sons.
Music students are thrilled to take their sound a tune further.
“Whenever I perform, it gives me confidence that I’m on a reliable instrument,” said Taylor-McMullen.
The pianist during this entire story is freshman piano major, Alex Segales from Bolivia.
If you missed tonight's fundraising event and you're interested in learning more or to donate, click here.