Young Violinist Launches “Arturo Healing Hearts” to Bring Music and Emotional Healing to Hospital Patients

In an age where most teenagers are planning their next TikTok, one high schooler is quietly transforming hospital hallways with the sound of a single violin. Rising sophomore Ava Silva Costa has launched Arturo Healing Hearts, a student-led nonprofit that brings live instrumental music into hospitals—offering moments of peace, dignity, and emotional healing to patients undergoing treatment.

The organization’s newly launched website, www.arturohealinghearts.org, invites other young
musicians to join the mission and hospitals to partner in this growing movement.
Named after her beloved violin, “Arturo,” Ava created the initiative after witnessing how music
could soften the clinical edge of a hospital room and bring comfort to people at their most
vulnerable.

“Music can reach places words can’t,” Ava said. “I’ve seen patients close their eyes, relax, and
even smile after days of struggle. I knew then I wanted to build something that could offer more
of those moments—not just from me, but from others, too.”

Arturo Healing Hearts launched quietly through Ava’s solo performances in infusion centers,
cancer wings, and waiting rooms across RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical
Center—but has quickly gained traction.

The program has gained meaningful recognition:

- Featured on News 12 New Jersey’s “Jersey Proud” segment.
- Covered by the Monmouth Journal and TapInto Long Branch.
- Highlighted by Monmouth Medical Center and Rutgers Cancer Institute across their social media platforms.

And this month, I’ve been invited to present Arturo Healing Hearts at a system-wide RWJBarnabas Health leadership meeting, where it is being considered for rollout across all of their hospitals.

In a recent statement from Rutgers Cancer Institute, one patient shared that “the highlight of his
day is listening to Ava play when he comes in. It’s a sentiment shared by many.”
“If they could figure out how to clone Ava and have her play every day,” one administrator
added, “they would.”

With her new website, Ava hopes to build a statewide network of young
instrumentalists—musicians in grades 9–12 who are willing to use their time and talent to
support patients in hospital settings.

The website includes:
- A clear mission statement and founder’s story

- Volunteer sign-up and guidelines for high school musicians

- A “Volunteer Spotlight” page featuring student stories

- A contact form for hospitals interested in partnering with Arturo Healing Hearts

While Ava continues to lead the organization as founder and president, she sees this as a
movement far greater than herself.“This isn’t just about community service,” Ava said. “It’s about growing our empathy, showing up with heart, and realizing that even the smallest gesture can change someone’s day—or even their spirit.”

Arturo Healing Hearts is currently building partnerships across the RWJBarnabas Health
system and expects to expand to additional hospitals in the coming months.

For press inquiries, volunteer interest, or hospital partnerships, please visit
www.arturohealinghearts.org or contact arturohealinghearts@gmail.com