Sound Exlorers

An adapted music program for children with disabilities, focusing on creative expression, communication and social skills.

Adapted Music Class for Youth with Disabilities

For children ages 8 and up. Led by music therapist Danielle Nicholls.

Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm

Fall 2026 registration is NOW OPEN!

  • PLEASE NOTE: To register, you only need to fill out the registration form below (scroll to the bottom of this page). In addition to Credit Card payments via My Music Staff, we accept E-Transfer, Cash and Cheque – to pay by any of these methods, please email: office@gymc.ca.

  • Limited spots available. In the event we are at capacity, you’ll be placed on the waitlist and/or issued a refund.

Sound Explorers is focused on creating a positive social environment for children with disabilities to engage in music with peers. Using a variety of music activities, such as singing, drumming, movement to music, instrument playing, and more, participants will be able to express themselves and get creative musically. Activities are adapted to meet the needs for a variety of diagnoses including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, Down syndrome, and more. The focus of this group is to develop social skills in a fun, casual music setting!

Fall 2026 Session:

  • Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:15 pm, September 24 - November 26, 2026 (10 weeks) - Cost: $175

Winter 2027 Session: Dates TBD (8 weeks) –  Cost: $140

Spring 2027 Session: Dates TBD (8 weeks) –  Cost: $140

Student Testimonial

I liked learning about different instruments and learning how to play them. For example, the glockenspiel (a German type of xylophone) and various types of drums (for example, the bongo drum). When drumming, we learned about drumming softly, or tap a bit harder on the drum, or tap slowly or faster, and to repeat after the teacher. Danielle, our music teacher, would also get us to drum how we are feeling that day. I also enjoyed singing songs in the program. The teacher, Danielle, is a sweetheart, since she is patient and kind to me and to others in the program. I would recommend this program to other youth who have an interest in music and learning about new instruments, and singing songs along with the group (if they would like to sing along).

- Emma Munro (age 16, from Puslinch, Ontario)

Danielle Nicholls, BMT, MTA, is the owner and operator of Dolce Music Therapy in Guelph, and is a certified music therapist in good standing with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. She completed her Bachelor of Music Therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2016, where she studied voice. She graduated with Honours with Distinction, and a minor in Psychology. After graduation, she completed her internship in the Hamilton/Burlington area, focusing on music therapy in palliative/hospice care, and long-term care settings. Since then, Danielle has continued working with people across the lifespan. Using a client-centered and music-centered approach, Danielle incorporates her vocal training and guitar skills to focus on clients’ abilities and meeting them in the moment. She is passionate about using music to help people connect with each other and themselves.

Financial Assistance: We are committed to making our classes accessible to all, regardless of financial situations. For families requiring financial assistance, please inquire about our Bursary program by emailing office@gymc.ca

The GYMC partners with the Children’s Foundation of Guelph to provide a number of free registration places to eligible applicants through the Free to GROW program. Please visit the Children’s Foundation website for more information.

Policies: For detailed information on cancellations, withdrawals, or weather-related closures, please consult the GYMC Group Class Policies.

Personal Assistant for Leisure Activities (PAL) Card

A PAL card is available to people with a disability who require assistance: to attend City of Guelph recreation programs or to ride Guelph Transit conventional and mobility services. The PAL card is issued to the person with the disability and allows him or her to be accompanied by a friend, relative, support worker, etc., as their support person who participates as an attendant at no additional cost. A support person can be a different person each time but he/she will help the person with a disability with tasks related to communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or with access to goods or services. Exceptions: Ticket charges for the support person at River Run Centre and Sleeman Centre apply.

Sound Explorers Registration