Posted by In the Moving Into Music Monthly Bulletin, Principal Lauris Hing wrote to students, families and friends …
October – time for Optimism??? We had been given the Roadmap out of Lockdown and were eagerly waiting for easing of restrictions to begin BUT recent significant setbacks have caused much of our confidence to be shaken. We know we must be patient, we must hold the line … we will need to continue dealing with pressures for the next month as we edge closer to vaccination levels which will allow our release.
Of the lockdown exit … the Premier said “It is absolutely possible that 2,000 to 3,000-plus patients are in hospital and we have to fundamentally change the way we deliver health services. We only have so many nurses and doctors … so that stress will be there. We’ve got to do everything we can so they’re not overwhelmed.”
Most important right now is not to focus on our own individual deprivations BUT to focus on the impact of the exit from lockdown on our healthcare system … and to remain grateful for the work our frontline healthcare workers continue to provide to keep us all safe.
October – it has become the time to meet big challenges! In this bulletin, we take a look into the lives of two MIM students … for them October brings testing times.
In Part 1, below, Associate Professor Anthony Cross, Director of Intensive Care at the Northern Hospital is facing testing times in the month ahead.
He shares insights of the ICU in this pandemic and also how music features in his life.
MIM SPECIAL FEATURE: Associate Professor Anthony Cross writes about his work in ICU during the pandemic… and shares his thoughts on music:
“Lauris asked me to write something linking my work as an intensive care doctor during this pandemic and music. I’m not really sure what she wanted given my first hand experience in medicine is a world away from my status as a rank amateur guitarist! However, she gave me carte blanche so this will be a strange mix of insights into intensive care in a pandemic and some personal opinions about music.
On the other hand, medicine is part art, part science so, hopefully, I can meld the two disciplines here.
Intensive care can be tragic. Intensive care looks after the sickest patients in the hospital and some die despite our best efforts. The next months are going to be particularly difficult because not only will lots of people become extremely unwell with Covid but we’re already seeing that the majority of them are young – many in their 40’s and under.
I’ve always loved blues music because although the blues is about sadness and suffering – usually losing your lover, your money, your job, or some combination of the three – it’s intensely personal and there’s a sense of joy, and hope that the troubles will pass. Often there’s a wry sense of humour. As Albert King sang, “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.”
My favourite electric blues guitarist was Stevie Ray Vaughan. Sadly he died young (36 years old) in a helicopter crash. Not only is this song, “Cold Shot”, about love gone bad (of course) but it showcases
his playing and the video finishes with a hospital scene where love and his guitar bring him back to life. Perfect!
The urgent treatment of rapidly deteriorating patients – resuscitation – requires a team of highly trained individuals to work quickly together with clear leadership and communication. It can be stressful,
and is not always as successful as Stevie Ray or the movies might have you believe. It is, though, a great privilege and source of professional satisfaction to be able to carry out time critical or life-saving interventions for the benefit of patients.
Such teamwork is often compared to an orchestra … but being a guitarist, and a little partial to some heavier rock, I’m going to use this ensemble of Metal Dudes playing the “Game of Thrones Theme Song” on GoT-inspired custom Fender guitars to illustrate the point.
As difficult as these times are, we have choices and the opportunity to shape our own future and that of our community. We can listen to science or believe in conspiracies and falsehoods. We can trumpet our rights or meet our responsibilities. Getting vaccinated is clearly a priority to minimise the spread of disease but we are going to have to continue to use other simpler, but highly effective techniques like masks and physical distancing for a long time to come.
Legend has it that Robert Johnson went down to the crossroads (literally, and metaphorically) and sold his soul to the devil in exchange for a supernatural ability to play the guitar. That choice bought him fame and fortune but an early death (poisoned at 27 years of age). Only two photos of him and 16 songs from a single recording session exist. So, I’ve included an amazing current guitarist, Justin Johnson, playing a slide cover of a Robert Johnson classic, “Come on in my kitchen.” Have a look at some of his other videos for incredible fingerpicking, slide, and alternate tuning playing – as well as some amazing guitars!
The science of medicine continually amazes me. Over the last two years a new virus has emerged. Within months Melbourne scientists were the first to describe its genome sequence, a crucial early step in vaccine development. Within a year multiple vaccines were available for clinical use, where the previous “record” time for vaccine development was five years. On an individual level my clinical work is heavily based on physiology (the physics and chemistry of body function) and the use of machines and medicines to support organs that are failing e.g. the ventilators that pump oxygen into the lungs of patients with Covid.
I’m drawn to the almost scientific precision of classical guitar – it’s the antithesis of blues guitar. One of my favourite pieces is “Asturias” by Isacc Albeniz. A piece highly evocative of the beautiful northern region of Spain where mountains meet the sea. Sadly, I couldn’t choose between two versions:
left:https://youtu.be/lCeebWgjrrU right:https://youtu.be/inBKFMB-yPg
A day in the life of a doctor in intensive care can be an emotional roller-coaster. Amazing recoveries and the saddest deaths. At the centre of it all, though, are people: patients and their next of kin.
As a doctor you have to understand (empathy) what people are going through but, as a fellow human it can be hard, sometimes, not to personally take on too many of the feelings or emotions (sympathy). At times some reflection and self awareness is required to manage the emotional burden. I find mindfulness techniques and music helpful in coping.
Perhaps strangely I find flamenco music suits relaxation. The vocals are often extremely emotional, the percussion can be harsh, and the guitar a little dissonant compared to other western music.
One of my favourites, especially for relaxation, is the “Bulierando” album by Vikingo de Jerez (a.k.a. Rowland Schultz). You’ll see that he earned the nickname “Vikingo” for his Nordic looks and Jerez is the
Andalusian town – said to be the birthplace of flamenco, but he was born and raised in Australia. His music has a strong traditional gitano (gypsy) sound and the Moorish influence of southern Spain.
Don’t tell Lauris but, in true flamenco tradition, he’s self taught! As far as I can tell he’s only produced one album, in 2011, and this live performance dates from about then.
Finally, if you know, or come across a nurse (especially a critical care nurse), give them your respect, appreciation, and support. Their care is the under-appreciated foundation of healthcare.
Hopefully the above has given you some insights into the pointy end of medicine during this pandemic and some personal thoughts on music. It’d be nice if some of the music also resonates with you but I urge you all to do “the right thing” by getting vaccinated and following the public health orders (masks and physical distancing etc) – that way we might get to spend time together listening to music, rather than in a hospital. Look after yourselves and those around you.
Anthony Cross
(Guitar Student of Modest Talent and Director of Intensive Care at the Northern Hospital)“
Piano | Keyboard | Theory | Vocals 
Acoustic Guitar | Electric Guitar | Bass Guitar | Drums & Percussion
Lessons: Southbank & Kew | Online Lessons also Available
e: laurishing@movingintomusic.com.au
p: +613 9836 2686
