The Alexander Technique
F.M. Alexander teaching a young student.
What is The Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a practical, hands-on study of the principles of coordination, movement, habit, and awareness. An educational process used worldwide for over 100 years, this approach improves mobility, posture, and performance which can lead to an improved way to deal with stress, pain relief, and the rediscovery of ease, flexibility and grace in everyday life.
Who was F. M. Alexander?
Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was a Shakespearean actor challenged by a recurring voice problem. His promising career was interrupted by hoarseness and frequently losing his voice while performing. Doctors found that he was healthy and should not be having problems. Alexander concluded that something about the way he was using his voice was interfering with its function. After years of rigorous self-observation and experimentation, he discovered the root of his problem and was able to reverse his habitual patterns of tension. He became a very successful actor and began to teach his technique to his colleagues. His success was so great, doctors began to refer patients with breathing and coordination problems to Alexander.
With an overwhelming number of students, Alexander decided to develop a teacher training program. Today, over 100 years later, thousands of teachers are now trained in the Alexander Technique. F. M. Alexander's discoveries have evolved into core principles that are still the basis of this work today. His work has been applied to fields as varied as the arts, athletics, education, and medicine.
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A violinist using a balance board to rediscover her natural ease.
Who Studies the Alexander Technique?
People of all ages and abilities study the Alexander Technique to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve posture and enhance performance. People who typically study the Alexander Technique include:
Why study the Alexander Technique?
People of all ages and abilities study the Alexander Technique to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve posture and enhance performance. People who typically study the Alexander Technique include:
- Performing artists (musicians, actors, dancers)
- Individuals with chronic or recurrent pain due to stress, tension, postural habitis, movement problems, old injuries, or poor self-image
- Athletes, martial artists, fitness instructors, and equestrians
Why study the Alexander Technique?
- To relieve pain through learning better coordination of the musculoskeletal system
- To enhance performance: athletes, actors, dancers and musicians use the Technique to improve breathing, vocal production, and speed and accuracy of movement
- To achieve greater conscious control of their reactions in everyday life
A child moves with innate ease and freedom.
Why teach the Alexander Technique to children?
The Alexander Technique encourages a healthy approach to movement for children, by promoting good habits and greater self awareness. This is especially helpful with playing the violin, encouraging ease of movement and prevention of injury.
Marissa is a 2016 graduate of the Chesapeake Bay Alexander Studies Teacher Training Program in Greensboro, North Carolina (click here for more info) and a member of Alexander Technique International. Marissa incorporates the principles and ideas of the Alexander Technique in her violin teaching in addition to teaching private Alexander Technique lessons.
View current research supporting the Alexander Technique.
The Alexander Technique encourages a healthy approach to movement for children, by promoting good habits and greater self awareness. This is especially helpful with playing the violin, encouraging ease of movement and prevention of injury.
Marissa is a 2016 graduate of the Chesapeake Bay Alexander Studies Teacher Training Program in Greensboro, North Carolina (click here for more info) and a member of Alexander Technique International. Marissa incorporates the principles and ideas of the Alexander Technique in her violin teaching in addition to teaching private Alexander Technique lessons.
View current research supporting the Alexander Technique.