From the Studio to the Seminar: Alex Purcell Begins PhD Journey at Laurier

Neighbour Note guitar and piano instructor Alex Purcell has just been accepted into the prestigious PhD in Community Music program at Wilfrid Laurier University. He shares what this milestone means for his teaching, research, and the future of music education.

A New Chapter in Music and Research

We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Alex Purcell has been accepted into Wilfrid Laurier University’s PhD in Community Music program — the first of its kind in Canada. As a dedicated music educator and researcher, Alex is taking his commitment to inclusive, transformative music practices to the next level.

“I’ve always believed that music is more than an art — it’s a tool for connection, healing, and growth,” Alex shares. “This program is the perfect space to deepen that philosophy and explore how new technologies can expand what’s possible in music education and therapy.”

What Is the Community Music PhD?

Laurier’s Community Music PhD offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to music research. Designed for musicians, educators, and therapists, it emphasizes real-world impact over traditional coursework. Instead of lectures and exams, students engage in doctoral seminars, peer-led learning, and independent research that serves communities through music.

https://www.wlu.ca/programs/music/graduate/music-phd/index.html

The program is based at the Laurier Centre for Music in the Community, which supports research into the social, cultural, and health-based roles of music. With a strong focus on inclusion, accessibility, and collaboration, the PhD stream empowers students to lead change in music education, therapy, and policy.

Alex’s Research: Music, Autism, and Virtual Reality

Alex’s doctoral research will explore how virtual reality (VR) can be used to support autistic individuals through musical engagement. Drawing on more than a decade of experience teaching neurodiverse students, he will investigate how immersive environments can foster emotional expression, communication, and social development.

“I want to create VR-based musical tools that feel intuitive and empowering for autistic children,” Alex explains. “Whether it’s helping someone feel safe enough to play a virtual instrument or encouraging interaction in a group setting, this research has the potential to change lives.”

What This Means for Neighbour Note

Alex’s journey bridges research and practice in an inspiring way. His insights from Laurier will directly inform his teaching here at Neighbour Note — bringing fresh strategies, inclusive approaches, and forward-thinking techniques to students of all backgrounds and abilities.

We are proud to support Alex as he begins this exciting chapter, and we look forward to the ways his research will contribute not only to our studio but to the broader fields of music therapy, education, and neurodiversity advocacy.

Watch the Proposal Video

To learn more about the research that inspired this PhD journey, watch Alex’s video outlining his dissertation proposal. In the video, he discusses the goals, methods, and potential impact of his research on music, autism, and virtual reality.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/Zzg7t3XpOlA

Congratulations Alex. You have been a big part of our teaching faculty for the past eleven years. We are so proud of you and wish you continued success!