January 7, 2026
While many people opened holiday gifts over the last few weeks, receiving everything from cherished presents to items that ended up being regifted, one music student received the ultimate gift.
Jeffery Li, a piano student at the Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin, was given a 1922 Blüthner grand piano. Blüthner pianos are German-made instruments considered among the finest in the world, with used models often selling for around $60,000.
Li testing out the piano
The extraordinary gift came about when Charles Quereau of Dripping Springs, Texas, contacted the piano faculty about donating his piano to a deserving student. Assistant Professor of Practice in Collaborative Piano Patti Wolf fielded the call and suggested Li.
The piano has a fascinating history. It was purchased in France in the 1960s by Mr. Quereau’s uncle and remained in the family for nearly 60 years. Mr. Quereau no longer plays and wanted the instrument to go to someone who could truly benefit from it.
Li studies with Assistant Professor of Piano Andrew Brownell, who visited Charles Quereau’s home and said the piano looked great but sounded even better. It’s safe to say Jeffery was on Santa’s nice list this year.
The 1922 Blüthner grand piano