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As you walked to your afternoon class over the past few weeks, have you heard the beautiful music coming from the Speed Lyceum? Many students have and began wondering who the mystery “piano man” is. Meet Isaac Rodriguez.

“I just go in there to play piano whenever I have free time, just for fun,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez grew up in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States recently. He first went to Georgia to participate in a baseball camp, then moved to Massachusetts for almost a year and lived in Florida for a short period of time. Most recently, Rodriguez went to school in Minnesota at Itasca Community College for two years and completed an Associate’s Degree. Rodriguez finally transferred to Grand View this year.

Rodriquez has been playing piano since he was 6 years old. His mom encouraged him to play when they lived in the Dominican Republic, and ever since, he has enjoyed the art of musical performance.

“I just love music,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve been playing since I was young; it’s in my blood.”

However, Rodriguez is not the stereotypical piano player. With bleached blonde hair on the top and the style of a ball player, you would never guess that Rodriguez enjoys music as much as he does.

“Not being a stereotypical piano player motivates me because since I can play, (it shows that) other people get to love music as well,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has played piano for competitions, but he said that he would rather just play piano for fun and save his competitive side for when it comes to baseball.

“When I was 12 years old, I played for my president back home, and that’s the most amazing thing that I’ve done,” Rodriguez said.    

Rodriguez began playing piano in the Speed Lyceum because it is the only piano that is accessible to him.

“My first day when I came to visit, I saw the piano,” Rodriguez said. “As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with that piano. I talked to the lady in the front, and she gave me permission to play.”

Rodriguez also plays piano during chapel services at GV.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve played piano at church,” Rodriguez said. “It is such a good feeling, and I really enjoy it.”

Many people have heard Rodriguez play as they have passed by. Connie Howat, a Student Life Administrator, hears him play often while she is doing work and interacting with students.

“It’s really relaxing to me,” Howat said. “I love it because when I’m having a stressful day, he comes in and plays, and I feel really relaxed, and I know a lot of his songs.”   

Danni Finn, a student who works at the front desk with Howat, hears Rodriguez play as well. She said that when she is sitting at the front desk doing her work, it is really nice to hear Rodriguez share his talent.

Although Rodriguez knows a variety of songs, his favorite song to play is “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, from the movie “Titanic.” Rodriguez’s sister occasionally writes songs, and he makes up melodies for her on the piano.

Rodriguez is majoring in business administration. His goal is to eventually be drafted by an MLB team and keep playing piano for fun.

“Isaac is a really nice and well-mannered person,” Rodriguez’s teammate Nick Johnson said. “I’ve heard about his piano playing, and I think it’s cool that he brings forth that unique talent. He is also a very good team player, and I enjoy having him on our team.”

Rodriguez is proud to share his talent on campus. He left a great impression with his skills when he lived in the Dominican Republic and continues to do the same wherever he goes. Although a piano is not always accessible to Rodriguez, he still finds a way to continue his passion. Next time you pass by the Speed Lyceum, listen for the piano and introduce yourself to Rodriguez.