fter taking 10 years of piano lessons, Keenan Cooney spent seven more ignoring the upright in his Massachusetts home. Music wasn’t on his mind as Keenan arrived at SNHU, but when the pandemic disrupted campus life, the French-American musician craved creativity. 

As a child, Keenan’s instinctive musical ear impressed but frustrated music teachers — he would memorize chords instead of learning them. This resistance to theory and disinterest in melodic convention pushed Keenan toward soccer during adolescence. It was prolonged isolation that stopped him at the Steigerman.

Once lockdown was lifted, Keenan returned to campus with inspiration and an electric piano. He amazed friends with some McCartney, but it was an original ballad that struck a chord. Even Keenan’s most stoic friend shared that the piece moved him, which boosted Keenan’s compositional confidence. 

After scouring campus for an instrument to play between classes, Keenan stumbled upon a baby grand above the Dining Hall and several international students who equally enjoyed playing. This multicultural exchange was especially meaningful to Keenan, and, acoustics aside, the space gifted him comfort and community. Never feeling fully French or American, Keenan often found it difficult to know where he belonged. 

“It was the first time that I connected with others not only through my identity but through my passion,” said Keenan. 

Junior year, Keenan took his studies to Aix-en-Provence. Being in France strengthened his language comprehension, cultural understanding, and relationship with his European side. Engrossed in new places, people, and ideas, Keenan chose to complete his bachelor’s in communication online from France and continue making music. 

Living abroad led Keenan to his Charente-based band, kemp. As kemp’s singer/songwriter, Keenan admires his bandmates’ synergy and willingness to explore ideas. Much like Keenan, they prioritize intuitive experimentation over structure. kemp has released two singles and has several additional songs in the works.

Now Stateside, Keenan is aligning his talents and entrepreneurial spirit for an MBA in Music Business from SNHU and Berklee College of Music. Although unconventional, his collegiate and musical journey brought him community and connection. Keenan’s bicultural perspective continues to fulfill, enrich, and enhance his rhythm of life.