Two talented teens at SFCM are turning senior centers into concert halls, proving that music knows no age limits.

Nikhil Prabhakar, 18, a guitar player, and Mathias Gomez, 16, a violin student, have done a series of performances at Bay Area nursing homes and rehab centers. “I always get joy out of knowing that I bring some happiness to the residents when I perform!” Matthias said. 

Mathias Gomez performs for seniors.

Both musicians perform voluntarily and organize all their programs themselves. Part of SFCM’s Pre-College for seven years now, Nikhil’s love for performing is rooted in playing for his family, “I had a deep connection with my two grandparents.” Nikhil would often perform for them before they passed away. “I played guitar for my grandparents, and my senior neighbors and really wanted to continue engaging with our senior community,”  Nikhil said of his inspiration to start this endeavor. The pair sometimes enlist the help of interested classmates as well. 

“I had experience performing for the older folks already,” Matthias continued. “But what I enjoy most about performing for those with neurological prions such as Alzheimer's and dementia is how music can temporarily unlock memories for those with memory loss.” 

Nikhil Prabhakar performs for seniors.

Studies show parts of the brain responsible for music perception remain relatively preserved through some brain illnesses. Because of this, “Music can remind people of who they are, of who they love, of their past,” stated SFCM faculty, alumna, and neuroscientist Dr. Indre Viskontas. “So sharing a musical experience can help them feel connected again to the present.”

“It fills me with a lot of purpose,” Nikhil added. The pair enjoys that it gives them a casual place to perform to hone performance skills while giving back. “I’ve also tried to make the performances engaging so we can teach our senior folks about music history, our passions, and they can express their knowledge and passions as well.”

Some of these centers include Mission Critical Skilled Nursing and Subacute Center in Santa Clara, Sunnyvale Post-Acute Center, and Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sunnyvale. “SFCM has been super supportive of our efforts,” Nikhil said. “From listing these performances in the weekly newsletter, to the incredible amount of encouragement we get from faculty like Justin Sun and Daniel Wood. SFCM has been very important to this program and without SFCM we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

SFCM’s Pre-College Academy is an immersive program that instills the value of music in youth 18 and under, providing an artistic framework and tailored instruction for the next generation of musicians. The curriculum integrates private lessons with musicianship courses, small and large ensemble experiences, master classes, jury assessments, and performance opportunities, making music a core part of students' lives.

“SFCM has helped me throughout my journey in many ways,” Matthias said. “But most notably was the way that the community shaped me. Being surrounded by such passionate staff and students inspired me and gave me the confidence to branch out to more performance opportunities.” 

Learn more about SFCM’s Pre-College Program.