Between the ears.

Medical surgeons and celloists collaborate in this programme; ‘The Scalpel and the Bow’with Aaron Williamon and Richard Kneebone. Kneebone has been working on a surgical simulation environment (funded by the Wellcome Trust) – specialising in carotid endarterectomy; the operation requires making a cut in the artery and scooping out the accumulated fat. A number of trainee surgeons at different levels are taken through the simulated operation. The musicians outline their preparations ahead of a performance. Surgeons also learn a sequence of actions relating to surgery; they have set routines to clean their hands and get gowned up. Some surgical teams have worked together and others have not so it’s important to get the measure of the people you are working with. Similarly musicians may tune their instruments before the performance behind the scenes or between movements. Kneebone comments on what it is to be a surgeon; the relationship to instruments as an extension of self is exactly like the musician and their instrument. Kneebone mentions the importance of mindful alertness. Musicians often talk about a similar feeling of being in the zone. Kneebone mentions the importance of the lead surgeon setting the ‘tone’ for the operation. The simulations are designed to train people in the complexities of the operation.