But that’s exactly what happened in the lobby of Layton Aquarium & Wildlife at the Layton Hills Mall last Friday evening as a handful of young piano students serenaded some of the aquarium’s animals.

The event, billed as bringing “healing through music,” was organized By Rachel Willis, owner of 88 Keys Music Studio.

Willis, herself descended from a long line of musicians, told the standard-Examiner that she’s long believed in the healing powers of music — both for people and members of the animal kingdom.

“I love healing people with music, and I’ve done that with kids that have only weeks to live, and I’ve had a son that’s been through brain cancer, which left him like a 10 second memory, and he’s much better now,” she said. “But I love animals, and whenever I play the piano for my dog — she’s got high anxiety — her anxiety just goes away. And I was just thinking, ‘You know, people need it, but also animals need it too, and it actually helps them.’

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

She said that’s when the idea for having her students perform at the aquarium came from.

“I just thought this would be a good opportunity for my students to have a chance to serve and make a difference for the people that come and listen as well as the animals,” she said.

Ahead of the concert, Willis said she was thinking of those in her family who had come before her.

“I just feel like my ancestors are going to be here as well, that have passed on,” she said. “And I just feel like it’s going to be a fun event, because I think it’s going to help those that are here as well as those that have passed on.”

And so Willis led her 14 enthusiastic students in the concert. As each of the kids played, aquarium staff would walk out with animals to give them a chance to listen to pieces such as “Pop Goes the Weasel,” “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Everything is Awesome.” Joining the audience of parents and other family members, animals watching along ranged from birds to a three-banded armadillo. Willis also took to the piano for the opening and closing pieces.

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

After the concert, Willis said she thought it was a successful evening.

“We just had this adrenaline rush seeing all of the cute little animals enjoying the music,” she said. “I think the students had this adrenaline rush of happiness. It’s that performance anxiety, but the anxiety actually gives you energy to be able to perform at your very best, so I think it was a good experience.”

She said she was hopeful she could make this a regular event for her students.

For more information on 88 Keys Music Studio, Willis invites inquiries to be submitted to 88keysmusicstudio.ut@gmail.com.

Rachel Willis of 88 Keys Music Studio assists a student during a concert at Layton Aquarium & Wildlife on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

Rosy, a very shy three-banded armadillo, listens to 88 Keys Music Studio piano students perform a concert at Layton Aquarium & Wildlife on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

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