Introduction

The nature of academic communication is very similar to the applied study of an instrument. As a performance major, you have studied your instrument under a variety of musicians. You have been influenced by their creative approaches to interpretation, technique and performance. You have also drawn creative ideas from master classes and performances (live or recorded).

Your individual style is not only a synthesis of these voices but also includes your unique interpretation as you respond to these ideas. When you perform, you do not acknowledge these influences by interrupting your piece with citations. However, on your resume and in personal interviews you are likely to give credit to these influences.

Academic writing also involves a synthesis of ideas. When writing about any topic, it is important to ask the following questions: What has already been said about this topic? Who are the experts in this area? How do their perspectives relate to one another?

It is just as important as you reflect on these perspectives to develop your own "voice" or creative interpretation and ideas about the topic. Writing provides the opportunity to give credit to the source(s) of the ideas you discuss in your papers.

Plagiarism results from not giving credit to these sources and/or presenting their ideas as your own. A variety of services and resources are available to help you avoid plagiarism by understanding proper citation techniques and the value of honest communication in the academic world. Resouces for faculty members on how to address plagiarism in the classroom are also included in this guide.

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