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Listen to part of a conversation between a student and his music history professor.
Student
So, I was wondering what I could do to improve my paper before the final draft is due.
Professor
Well, Michael, I have no problem with your writing style. It’s graceful and clear. Eh, and it’s interesting that you are writing about your grandmother’s piano concert.
Student
Yeah, when you said we had to attend a concert and write about it, I immediately thought of her. I have been to lots of her concerts. So I am really familiar with her music.
Professor
That’s not necessarily an advantage. Familiarity sometimes makes it hard to see things objectively.
Student
So I shouldn’t write about my grandmother?
Professor
No, no, no. I am just talking in general. But as I mentioned in my comments, I’d like you to place your grandmother’s concert in… in a broader context.
Student
Yeah, I saw that, but I wasn’t sure what you meant. I mean, I mentioned my grandmother’s childhood, how much her parents love music, how she played the piano at all our family gatherings.
Professor
Ok. I see what happened now. By broader context, I mean how the concert relates to some period in music history.
Student
I see. Ok. Um… I have an idea.
Professor
Ok.
Student
Well, as you read in my paper, my grandmother performs classical music.
Professor
Yes.
Student
That’s her true love. But for most of her career, she performed jazz. She originally studied to be a classical pianist. But jazz was in its heyday back then, and when she got out of the conservatory, she was invited to join a jazz orchestra. And the opportunity was just too good to turn down.
Professor
Really. Well, that’s fascinating. Because she probably had to reinvent her whole musical style.
Student
She did. But jazz was where the money was at that time, at least for her.
Professor
But she eventually went back to classical?
Student
Right. But only recently.
Professor
Ok.
Student
So if I can show how her choices relate to what was happening in the world of music at the time…?
Professor
I think that might work very nicely.
Student
And if I do that, I guess I’ll have to like, interview her.
Professor
Right.
Student
And I guess that would mean…
Professor
You’ll have to rewrite most of your paper.
Student
Ouch!
Professor
Yeah. Would an extra week ease the pain?
Student
Definitely.
Professor
Ok. So are there other musicians in your family?
Student
Yeah. My mother plays piano, too. Not as well as my grandmother, but…
Professor
And you?
Student
I don’t play any instruments, but I sing in the university choir. In fact, we are performing next week, and I have a solo.
Professor
That’s great! Could I tell the class about your concert?
Student
Um…sure. But…about my paper… what question should I be asking my grandmother?
Professor
You know what, I have a meeting now. Why don’t you come to class a few minutes early tomorrow?
Student
Will do.
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