Neurodivergence in the Music Classroom

CFRC 101.9 FM Winter 2026 Intern Giulianna Gonsalves presents a special project undertaken during her learning placement in this special installment of Campus Beat in partnership with the Dan School of Drama and Music and the Robert H. Black Fund through the Department of Film & Media at Queen’s University.

Neurodivergence in the Music Classroom, hosted by Giulianna Gonsalves, aka GG with special guest Dr. Cheryl Bruce, is a special program diving into how to accommodate and engage with neurodivergent students in music classroom, focusing on practical and inclusive strategies that support diverse learning styles, build trust, and foster a positive learning environment for every student.

Giulianna’s guest, Dr. Cheryl Bruce is an adjunct professor at the DAN School of Drama and Music and the Faculty of Education, where she teaches music and education courses and supports teacher candidates as a faculty liaison. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers with over 15 years of experience in secondary education. Dr. Bruce also specializes in curriculum design and has developed practical, industry-focused learning experiences in post-secondary education. Her research explores leadership and influence in music, as well as how education shapes career pathways and representation.

Giulianna Gonsalves is currently a Queen’s University student  undertaking a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Education, and a Minor in French Studies. Her main instrument is the piano (ARCT RCM), but she also plays the bass guitar and other percussion instruments. She is pursuing a career as a high school music and French teacher, and has gained experience in a variety of academic settings, including those that support neurodivergent learners. She absolutely loves everything music and is committed to expanding her knowledge in this area, while undertaking new learning opportunities including her Winter intership and this capstone project with CFRC 101.9 FM Radio Queen’s University.