The Faculty of Music is enhancing its first-year learning strategy supports by building on the “Tuning Up!” pilot launched in 2025–26 academic year. Based on early pilot results showing improved engagement with learning strategy support and reduced course failures, “Retuning!” will extend the program’s reach for first-year students during the critical transition into university-level academic. The initiative focuses on practical skills such as time management, effective practice (or study) routines, and strategies for approaching challenging course material. These strategies will be paired with structured opportunities for students to reflect on their learning and access guidance from trained graduate-level students. “Retuning!” is designed to integrate learning strategy support as an accessible part of the first-year experience. This refreshed model will track participation and outcomes in key first-year courses and use student feedback to further improve how the supports are delivered.
Outcomes
This initiative is intended to increase first-year students’ participation in learning strategy supports and improve students’ confidence in managing academic and practice demands. Through strengthened study and learning habits, the program aims to success completion of year 1 and reducing the number of students on probation.