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An older man in a green cardigan plays an old upright piano while a grey cat sits on the wooden bench beside him. 16 / 40

Grandpa Played the Old Upright Piano. One Listener Never Missed a Song.

AI imagerussian bluepianomusic

The upright piano has clearly seen many decades, its dark wood worn smooth at the edges and its ivory keys a little yellowed. Grandpa sits at the keyboard in a forest-green cardigan, fingers resting on the keys as he plays something soft from memory. At the end of the bench, Sterling sits tall and composed, looking toward the room as though he's been hired as the official page turner. Stacks of books, a teacup, a pair of glasses, and a warm lamp fill the cozy, lived-in room around them.

Many people wonder whether cats enjoy music. Cats hear a wider range of high-pitched sounds than we do, and some are startled by loud or sudden notes, while others seem perfectly relaxed by gentle melodies. Soft, slow music played at a moderate volume tends to be the most comfortable for them. If your cat chooses to sit near you while you play, that's a good sign it feels at ease. If it leaves the room, let it go without fuss. Making music can also be a rewarding pastime for older adults, keeping fingers nimble and the mind engaged, and a pet nearby makes a very forgiving audience.

Sterling doesn't request songs or applaud, but he hasn't left the bench either, which is high praise from a cat. Every musician deserves a loyal listener who shows up for every single performance.

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