About Melodies4Memory

Our Mission

Attention, parents—join us in empowering your kids to make a lasting difference in your community! Melodies4Memory is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing opportunities for children of any age to showcase their love for music and improve the lives of those in need. We offer a variety of opportunities to get involved and make a profound impact. Let’s work together to create a joyful future for our most vulnerable population: people in their golden years.

Our Impact

At Melodies4Memory, we harness the transformative power of music to support the geriatric community. We enhance the well-being of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases by engaging them not only as listeners but also as active participants at live performances.

Our firsthand research has demonstrated that music has a positive impact on the mood and the memory of seniors in our community. Over the last three years, we have organized and performed in over 30 piano concerts; in these performances, we’ve entertained and engaged nearly 500 residents at various senior centers across New Jersey.

Our Story

Hello! I’m Yashvi Rateshwar, the founder of Melodies4Memory. I am currently a Junior at Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, New Jersey, where I’m studying Science and Technology. My talented sister, Yuvica Rateshwar, an eighth grader, is our co-founder and attends River Dell Middle School in New Jersey.

Melodies4Memory began with our annual piano concerts at a local senior residence, which were arranged by our beloved piano teacher, Mrs. Pam Weiler of New Milford, New Jersey. As we watched the level of excitement grow among members of our audience, we began volunteering even more of our time to play at a multitude of senior homes in New Jersey and neighboring states.

Yashvi earned the highest leadership achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA by earning the Gold Award during her Junior year of high school in November 2025 for this project.

testimonials

“For over five years, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Yashvi and Yuvica to Sunrise of Paramus. Their piano performances have brought so much joy and warmth to our community. These young women have gone above and beyond by inviting guest musicians, friends, and volunteers to share in the experience.

What makes their contribution particularly meaningful is the thoughtful way they combine their love of the arts with science. Yashvi and Yuvica conduct extensive research and share the positive impact music has on the well-being of older adults, making the experience an even richer one for everybody in the room. Their dedication, talent, and kindness have made a lasting impression on our residents and team alike.”

Arquimides “Dez” Pierantony

Activity & Volunteer Coordinator

Sunrise of Paramus

"As a long time Suzuki piano teacher, I’ve seen how music can connect and uplift people in powerful ways. Melodies4Memory, founded on Yashvi and Yuvica’s research, builds bridges between young musicians and older adults.

Watching my students perform at senior residences over the years has been a rewarding part of my teaching. Through their music, students not only share their love of playing piano, they also create meaningful connections with their audience--I’ve observed residents respond to the music by clapping, singing along, or even sharing memories that the music brings to mind; and, I’ve observed the benefits this experience brings to my students, who come away with a deeper sense of purpose and empathy.

I’m proud to support Melodies4Memory, and I encourage all young musicians and senior homes to take part. It really does make a difference!"

Pamela W.

Music Teacher

“Yashvi and Yuvica have displayed extremely talented piano skills when performing at the Harmonies for Healing events at the infusion center over the years during the summer as well as the holidays. Our Christmas concerts are always popular and well attended by the patients. They are always very polite and considerate to the patients and stay to encourage all the performers.

They both play with great precision and the pieces they play sound beautiful and engaging for the patients.

I can’t wait to have them perform at the Englewood Hospital again!”

Lauren Murphy

Music Therapist MT-BC

Englewood Hospital

“ Volunteering through Melodies4Memory has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to play piano for the senior citizens at Bristal Englewood, and it was truly heartwarming to see how much joy music brought to their day.

This program not only gave me a chance to share my love of music, but also allowed me to connect with others who are equally passionate about using music to make a difference. It's a wonderful way to give back, improve your musical skills, and be part of a supportive and inspiring community.

I highly recommend Melodies4Memory to anyone interested in volunteering, performing, and spreading happiness through music.”

Lydia F.

Volunteer

Melodies4Memory