Welcome to the
Mitzvah Music Fund
Sharing the joy of music with those in need of comfort and healing.
At The Mitzvah Music Fund, we believe in the amazing power of music to connect with people — to heal, to soothe, and to stimulate.
We provide live, therapeutic, musical performances for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, cancer wards, and for hospice patients at home or in a facility . Our mission is to create shared, restorative experiences designed by our experts to bring joy and comfort to those who need it most. Whenever possible, we invite family and friends to share these special moments with their loved ones.
From ancient philosophers like Aristotle and Plato to modern clinical researchers,( see attached ), music has long been recognized as a significant therapeutic tool., the tool that informs our work.
The Mitzvah Music Academy
At The Mitzvah Music Academy. We have created a music school designed specifically for people on the autism spectrum. Our carefully orchestrated classes allow our students to progress at their own pace while still being able to participate in our group activities. We believe that with this approach , we can create an inclusive social setting which both enhances our student’s ability to learn music, while simultaneously providing them with an environment designed to help improve their confidence with socialization, manual dexterity, and other life skills. Whenever possible, we encourage our more advanced students to work with the beginners, which further helps with their social interactions.
We’re not just filling rooms with sound — we’re creating spaces for healing, comfort, and joy through the universal language of music.
Who We Are
With a lifetime of study, performance and experience behind us, we are committed to the highest levels of artistry and therapeutic engagement.
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Artie Bressler is an internationally known saxophonist, composer, and producer. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been recognized as an educator and mentor to his students, from beginners to professionals.
What Artie brings to TMMF is an extraordinary knowledge of the music of the 20th and 21st centuries. From Ragtime and Dixieland, Swing and Bee-Bop, and from Blues to Soul to Rock and Roll, he has played with many of the best-known players in each of these genres. This knowledge is particularly helpful for designing the musical profiles for each patient or group of patients.
At this point in his career, Artie is focused on dedicating his experience and talent to use the therapeutic powers of music to do good deeds as often as possible.
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Dr. Horvath began studying music at age 5, and by age 13 was both playing professionally and composing. He studied music theory and composition at the Manhattan School of Music and New York University and orchestral conducting at the Juilliard School. Following a successful career as a freelance musician, Dr. Horvath developed an interest in psychiatric nursing and after 2 decades in clinical practice in New York City, he completed a Ph.D in Nursing Research at NYU, where he analyzed the impact of music on human emotion and behavior.
Our expert staff brings an extensive knowledge of Western music, from Classical to Jazz, and everything in between. We are able to customize our performances. Our goal is to stir memories, create connections, and engage listeners.
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Music Therapist
Elise is currently working with hospice and palliative care patients. She does this in private practice and through Suncrest Hospice Inc. She also has a private practice where she works with adults with special needs. Elise specializes in working with non-verbal patients.
A board-certified music therapist, Ms. Carter has experience in teaching folks with special needs, either through piano or flute lessons, or providing music therapy sessions to work on specific client goals. Elise has experience working with individuals who have cognitive or physical disabilities, adults as well as children. She has worked with Camp Acorn in Allendale, New Jersey, doing group music therapy for their summer camp and through bi-weekly groups with their year long Day-Hab group. Ms. Carter provided group music therapy to special needs students in the Ringwood school district until CoVID-19, and currently provides music therapy through Zoom to special needs adults and children.
Elise has worked with acute psychiatric patients and palliative care patients as well as in hospice care at Mt. Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in NYC. She also provided environmental music for fragile patient populations in SICU and MICU settings at this hospital.