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  • Who are the Alexander teachers at the RNCM?

    Peter Robinson
    Pete Robinson BA (Hons), ATCL, QTLS, mSTAT

    After completing my degree in music, I went on to have a varied career performing around the UK and Europe as well as working as a musical director for Holland America Cruise Line and Cirkus Benneweis in Denmark.  My career was brought to a halt by RSI and my journey of recovery to health led to my training to be an Alexander Technique Teacher.

    Since qualifying in 2007, I continue to have a busy career performing both on piano/keyboards and Sousaphone, and teaching music privately and in colleges. I have been fortunate to have taught the Alexander Technique to many musicians around the North West in my private practice and at the RNCM.

    The Alexander Technique is a skill that can help you improve your overall health and well-being, make your practising more enjoyable and productive, help you deal with the stresses and strains of a career in the music industry and help you to avoid or deal with discomfort and injury.  I really wish that I had encountered the Technique at the start of my music career and I feel privileged to be able to work with other musicians at the start of theirs.


    Su Harrison
    Su Harrison MSc BSc (Hons) mSTAT

    Working as a cardiac sonographer (i.e. ultrasound imaging) in a busy NHS department for almost 30 years, I was used to caring for others but I hadn’t realized the strain and tension I was putting on myself. As my pain and stiffness increased, and my energy and stamina diminished I saw physiotherapists and pain and orthopaedic consultants. Prescribed medication and exercises only gave temporary relief. Eventually, I was unable to continue in my career due to chronic myofascial pain (a severe form of RSI) and was also unable to do many of the things I had enjoyed in life. Fortunately, I was then introduced to the Alexander Technique.

    Since qualifying as an Alexander teacher, I have taught at the RNCM and enjoyed helping instrumentalists and singers improve their performance, and reduce stress, tension and pain. A recent study has again shown that music college students often suffer the same kinds of performance-related problems as older, experienced professionals, so it's never too soon to learn the Alexander Technique.