Our Mission
Music for Memory is a new not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to bring music of all genres to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and various forms of dementia.
The Music for Memory mission is based on growing research that indicates that exposure to music can have immediate positive effects on the cognitive capabilities of an individual suffering with dementia, and can contribute to slowing the progress of mental decline.
We are scheduling concerts at assisted living facilities and nursing homes around Massachusetts, and playing for all residents, including those in memory care. As the organization grows, our goal is to attract new student musicians that are interested in joining our platform to perform at various locations by either forming small groups or performing solo.
Meet The Team
Joseph Baldassarre
Co-Founder
Joseph is a senior at St. John’s Preparatory in Danvers, Massachusetts. Growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts, he is a dedicated student and soccer player and has been playing the saxophone since the age of 10. His background is in classical music and has a part of multiple bands in the Lexington music department and at St. John’s. Today, his focus is mainly jazz, and he plays in two jazz combos at New England Conservatory. His preferred genres of music are Be-Bop, Oldies, Jazz, Blues, Funk, and Latin.
Joseph was inspired to begin building Music for Memory after watching his grandmother, who suffered from dementia, come to life every time he would play.
Robert Baldassarre
Co-Founder and Advisor
Rob is a Partner in KPMG’s Economic and Valuation Services practice, based in Boston. He has over 20 years of experience in economic analysis and consulting.
Rob is passionate about music. In addition to helping establish Music for Memory, Rob is on the Boston board of Room to Grow and is the Co-Chair of the 2023 Hope on the Harbor Gala for the Alzheimer's Association of New England. He also served on the Board of Directors for Riverside Community Care. Robert received his BA in International Relations and Economics from Boston University and an MBA in Finance and Economics from Boston University's Questrom School of Management.
Brian J. Kane
Advisor
Brian J. Kane attended the Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship, graduated magna cum laude in 1995, and later received an M.S.M. from Bridgewater State College. As a professional saxophonist and flautist, he has performed in over 2000 live performances running the gamut of music styles. Brian has performed and studied with musical greats like Herb Pomeroy, Alan Dawson, Arturo Sandoval, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Jiggs Whigham, Tom Scott, Whit Browne, John Wheatley, and hundreds of other wonderful musicians in the New England Area. Presently, Brian is an active musician performing in jazz groups, rock and popular bands, and commercial recording.
A dedicated music educator, Brian has taught classroom music in both public and private schools for over 10 years and given over 10,000 private lessons on saxophone. He has developed innovative teaching techniques for jazz styles, sight reading, and melodic improvisational concepts.