Listen to a conversation between a student and a professor.

Listen to a conversation between a student and a professor.

S: Hi, Professor Thomas.P: Hello, Jill. What can I do for you? Is everything okay?S: Well, yeah, yeah, everything's fine. The thing is, the reason I wanted to see you is, you're the head of the university's music department, aren't you?P: Well, I teach courses in classical performance, and, as you know, one in music theory. But yes, jazz piano is my forte.S: Okay, yeah, that's what I thought. See, the thing is, I play piano too. And in high school, I was in all sorts of jazz groups, like extracurricular stuff.P: Uh huh, very good, very nice.S: And, well, actually, for a while, I was considering applying to— I mean, I really wanted to go to a conservatory and just study music.P: Oh, and what made you change your mind?S: Well, I thought it would be a good idea to, like, to keep my academic options open, you know. And my high school grades in the sciences were pretty good, biology in particular, so I came here instead for, well, a more academic education.P: Uh huh, probably a wise decision.S: Right! Well, I figured it made more sense for my future, my career and all. But the thing is, I really miss having music in my life. That's why I signed up for your music theory class, and I have been enjoying it and all but, well, analyzing music is just not the same as playing it. P: Sure.S: Yeah. So I was wondering, since you're the head of the department, I was wondering if you could recommend, like, groups I could play with, you know, in my spare time.P: Well, of course, let me see. There are several performance groups here at the university. There's my jazz band, of course, the one I direct and play in. And we're actually holding auditions for new players next week. But...S: Are you really? Wow, wouldn't that be something?P: Well, we're actually not in need of anyone else on piano right now, which is what you said your instrument was, right? So...P: But, but don't worry, we'll find you something. See, there are also quite a few student-run bands. And as department head, I'm pretty much familiar with all of them.S: Yeah? P: Sure. Oh, and if you go online to the department website, there's also a link to a student-run web page about musical groups here on campus. It often has notices about local bands needing new players.S: Hey, that's good to know about.P: So I'd suggest you check out that web page regularly. They update it every other Wednesday, I believe. Beyond that, I can assure you that I'll keep my ears open for a jazz band in need of a piano player. Who knows? Maybe I'll hear about one by the end of the month.S: That's great, professor. Thank you so much.