Tinton Falls Student Brings Live Music To Hospital Patients With Nonprofit Organization

TINTON FALLS, NJ — A Tinton Falls high school student is quietly transforming the halls of local hospitals with the sound of a single violin, bringing live music and emotional healing to patients.

Ava Silva Costa, a rising sophomore at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls, launched her student-led nonprofit Arturo Healing Hearts to bring instrumental music into hospitals — offering moments of peace, dignity and emotional healing to patients undergoing treatment.

Named after her beloved violin, “Arturo,” Ava created the initiative after witnessing how music can 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.”

Since the organization's launch over the summer, Arturo Healing Hearts has grown and quickly gained traction through Ava’s solo performances in infusion centers, cancer wings, and waiting rooms across RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center.

The initiative has been featured in outlets such as TAPinto, as well as spotlighted by RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center on social media (examples of which can be seen here and here).

In a recent statement from Rutgers Cancer Institute, one patient shared that the highlight of his day is listening to Ava play when she comes in, a sentiment he said is “shared by many.”

“If they could figure out how to clone Ava and have her play every day, they would,” one administrator added.

With her new website, Ava is hoping 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.

On the website, visitors will find a mission statement and founder’s story, volunteer sign-up and guidelines for high school musicians, a “Volunteer Spotlight” page featuring student stories, and 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.”

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

To learn more about Arturo Healing Hearts, how to volunteer, or hospital partnerships, you can visit their website or contact arturohealinghearts@gmail.com.