Elvis Costello on His Career and Advice to Young Musicians  New
England Conservatory, Boston, MA, October 25, 2013  On a Friday
afternoon, Elvis Costello spoke to an appreciative audience in
Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory. That morning, he had
worked in the classroom with songwriting students. He was
introduced by Hankus Netsky, chair of the Contemporary
Improvisation department, and Tony Woodcock, president of the
Conservatory. Both speakers lauded Costello’s outstanding
abilities and body of work, borrowing some phrases from his
lyrics, such as “his aim is true” and “excellence will happen.”
To cap the introduction, they awarded Costello an honorary
Doctor of Music degree. Costello appeared delighted at receiving
the honor, and he kept around his neck the peach-colored
ceremonial hood, slightly skewed to resemble a kerchief against
his denim jacket and brimmed hat.  The talk was in interview
format, Costello sitting between Netsky and Boston Globe media
critic Sarah Rodman, who delivered most of th