What is The Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique helps people learn how to live with greater ease and freedom. Alexander Technique students learn how to use their whole self (body, breath, voice, and mind) so they have less tension and pain in their every day life.
The website The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique is a wonderful resource to find articles, videos, podcasts, and even teachers in your area.
Who Benefits from The Alexander Technique?
🪷 People who suffer from backaches or stiff neck or shoulders
🪷 People who become stiff or sore after sitting for long periods of time
🪷 Some people who suffer from headaches find relief
🪷 People with Parkinson’s have reported relief from symptoms
🪷 Actors, Singers, Instrumentalists, Athletes, Public Speakers – ANY performer who feels like they are over working or not using themselves to their FULL potential
The British Medical Journal recently came out with a study on back pain in which The Alexander Technique helped many people with their pain.
Performers: Actors, Dancers, Instrumentalists, and Singers…
you will want to check out this video of Juilliard, Aspen, and MET Opera musicians talking about how their performance improved from studying The Alexander Technique:
What does a typical Alexander Technique lesson look like?
A private lesson can last anywhere from 30 – 45 minutes. You have the teacher’s complete attention and are able to get direct assistance on the issue you would like addressed. After hearing your concerns, the teacher will shape the lesson to your desires and also help bring your awareness to some things you might not have known was happening with your body, breath, voice, or way of thinking. The teacher will talk you through the AT process while they put their hands on your head, neck, back, arms, and legs to increase your awareness of ease and freedom.
In a group lesson, the teacher talks the students through the AT process as well as uses their hands on the student’s head, neck, back, arms, and legs to help guide and reinforce the lesson. This is a great way for a team of people (for example, an acting or singing class) where everyone generally shares the same goal.
In both group and private lessons, the teacher might have you lie down on a table or floor, sit on a chair, stand, walk… or perform the activity that you are wanting some assistance with (like speaking, knitting, running, typing… any activity of your choice). You will never be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable with or that causes pain. You will also never be asked to remove clothing, shoes, or jewelry.
“I was dubious about the effects of the Alexander Technique when I first went in to experience it, but I found out almost immediately that the benefits were total – both physically and mentally – and, happily, have also been long-lasting.” ~ Joanne Woodward
My Training and Certification
I trained with Robin Gilmore at her school, Chesapeake Bay Alexander Studies, in Greensboro, NC. Training to become an Alexander Technique Teacher requires a minimum of three years of schooling in which I accumulated 1,200 hours of study. After which I then went through a certification process by Alexander Technique International.