Volunteer Spotlight!
Ava Silva Costa
Founder, Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Violin
School: Ranney School
Joined: July 2025
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar
Why I Volunteer:
“I created Arturo Healing Hearts because I’ve seen how music can reach where words cannot. Playing in hospitals has shown me that something as simple as a few notes can offer comfort, connection, and even healing to someone going through an incredibly hard time. When I perform, I’m not just playing for patients—I’m sharing my heart and giving them a moment of peace. That’s the most meaningful thing I can do.”
Fun Fact: Ava named her violin Arturo, and he’s been her musical companion through some of her most meaningful performances—including the ones that inspired this nonprofit.
Benjamin Davidov
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Piano
School: Ridge High School
Joined: November 2025
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Nocturne in E Flat Major by Chopin
Why I Volunteer:
“ I decided to volunteer because I wanted to spread my joy of music to those that are having a hard time in the hospital."
Fun Fact: Besides playing piano I also am on the wrestling team at my high school.
Vivek Maharaj
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Piano
School: Marlboro High School
Joined: November 2025
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Ludovico Einaudi - Nuvole Bianche
Why I Volunteer:
“ I volunteer because since I was younger, music has captivated me. In the past two years, I taught myself how to read sheet music and play piano, among multiple other instruments. Music is the medium of art I find solace in ; it can communicate in seconds what words take days to. I hope to bring my passion for it to anyone, hopefully inspiring them to find beauty and meaning in everyday moments that are commonly overlooked. I also hope my journey so far can motivate others to pursue their passion. With dedication, anything is possible."
Fun Fact: Apart from music, I have many other hobbies, including drawing, writing, learning new languages and playing basketball.
Gagana Batchu
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Electric and Acoustic Guitar
School: Woodbridge Academy Magnet School
Joined: December 2025
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Reelin' In The Years by Steely Dan
Why I Volunteer:
“ When I first started playing guitar, it was a distraction for me to forget about things around me. Music has captivated me from a young age, and I want to share those emotions. Regardless of the way you are feeling, music transports you to another place, which offers comfort to those who may need it. Music is a universal language that anyone can understand, and especially in medicine, it is a form of empathy that is extremely important. When I perform, I feel as though I can make a difference in the hospital by changing the way someone is feeling."
Fun Fact: In addition to playing guitar, I am also on the girls' basketball team at my school.
Prabhdeep Khurana
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Dilruba & Harmonium
School: East Brunswick High School
Joined: March 2026
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Self-composed compositions in Indian ragas
Why I Volunteer:
“ I started learning music at age 8, and it has always been a source of calm and reflection in my life, especially through playing the dilruba and harmonium in the Indian classical tradition. As I continued learning, I began to understand how music can express emotions that are difficult to put into words. Volunteering allows me to share that same sense of peace and comfort with patients who may be going through difficult moments. Even a few minutes of music can create space for calm, connection, and healing, and I hope my playing can bring relief and positivity to someone’s day."
Fun Fact: I have lived and studied in 4 different countries: the UK, India, Singapore, and the United States.
Prisha Patra
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Viola
School: Woodbridge Academy Magnet School
Joined: March 2026
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Humoresque by A. Dvorak
Why I Volunteer:
“ I volunteer for Arturo Healing Hearts because playing music is really calming and soothing to the heart and I hope to share experiences like this with other people as well. For people who may be having a tough time, I believe that listening to music can make people feel better and more relaxed, and has its own ways of conveying emotion; not just through words. I really enjoy playing the viola myself, especially since music is a great way to feel peaceful and relieve stress."
Fun Fact: A fun fact about myself is that I've played violin & piano.
Victoria Mekbeb
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Xylophone
School: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School
Joined: May 2026
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Yellow Bird by Irving Burgie
Why I Volunteer:
“It is my pleasure to volunteer with Arturo because I love both playing music and supporting others, so it is a perfect fit for me! Music is something I enjoy thoroughly, and volunteering gives me a way to stay connected to the arts in a way that is meaningful. Songs can easily change someone's mood, even in a place as challenging as a hospital, so having the opportunity to bring levity to patients who are going through a difficult time is an experience I look forward to."
Fun Fact: Aside from playing music, I enjoy playing field hockey and riding my bike!
Sahasra Srimantula
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Piano
School: Parsippany Hills High School
Joined: May 2026
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Another love by Tom Odell
Why I Volunteer:
"I volunteer to help others feel calm and comfortable especially during rough times. I want to help bring happiness to those as music helps keep people alleviate stress."
Fun Fact: Other than playing the piano I draw, play tennis, and do nail art as my hobbies.
Ritika Lawrence
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Violin/Piano
School: West Windsor Plainsboro High School North
Joined: June 2026
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: Dandelions by Ruth B.
Why I Volunteer:
"I love playing my instruments and this was a way I can spread my love of music in a stress free environment."
Fun Fact: Other than playing my instruments, I am a javelin/discus thrower. I love to read books. I’m also great at building things. If something needs to be assembled in my house my parents have me build it all the time!
Enaya Hasan
Volunteer at Arturo Healing Hearts
Instrument: Hand drum (Daff)
School: Noor Ul Iman High School
Joined: June 2026
Favorite Piece to Play for Patients: I love playing whatever feels right in the moment. When I'm sitting with patients and getting an understanding of how they feel, I love to play whatever brings them the most peace and ease in the moment. Whether its calmer melodies or more upbeat ones, tailored pieces always manage to bring a smile to their face, and that is my true objective.
Why I Volunteer:
"I volunteer because I believe that as a Muslim, service is not just an act of kindness but rather a responsibility. It is a mission that remains an instinctual part of how I try to live my faith. When I play the daff for patients, I get to witness the incredible ability of something so simple to reach so far. Watching someone's face shift and a small smile breaking through reminds me how healing is not only physical but also holds a great emotional aspect to it as well. So if I cannot directly cure whatever hardship someone may be going through, I wanted to use this opportunity as a means to fill the gap that medicine cannot touch. Seeing patients experience that moment of joy or comfort is truly what drives my passion."
Fun Fact: I'm convinced my daff has magical powers because I've seen it turn the grumpiest patient in the room into someone tapping themselves and smiling within two minutes. It is remarkable and truly something greater than just rhythm.
