Alexander Technique

"It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it . . .
And that’s what gets results.”

Alexander Technique lessons

Su Harrison   Pete Robinson  

• If you’re experiencing muscle or joint pain that is related to your instrumental or vocal technique, then book a lesson with one of the Alexander teachers.

• If you’re feeling nervous or over-anxious when you practise or perform, then book a lesson.

• If you’re experiencing issues with breathing or vocal freedom, then book a lesson. (The Technique first developed as a way to improve breathing and voice for actors.)

• If you’re changing your technique or getting used to a new instrument, then it’s important to stop old habits that get in the way. By using the Technique you can restore your ‘factory settings’ and work out how to do things afresh . . . so book a lesson.

• If you simply want to improve your practical ‘know how’ (practical intelligence) or to experience enhanced wellbeing, confidence, spontaneity and ease in movement, then book a lesson.

“People imagine that their bodies are disobedient and unreliable in carrying out their wishes, whereas nothing could be further from the truth.”

Many musicians, actors and other elite performers see the Alexander Technique as essential to their professional and daily lives. This simple and effective way of working enhances connection, creativity and health-promoting habits. For musicians, the most common blocks to achievement are performance anxiety and muscle tension. They are almost invariably linked. Worry affects posture, balance and co-ordination; ‘held’ undue muscle tension affects mood and the secure feeling of being grounded and present . . . and may lead to performance-related pain.

The Alexander teachers have taught many musicians who have faced similar challenges. It’s far easier to sort things out from the start than to delay until they become major problems – the sooner, the better.

Talk to your tutor about any problems you’re experiencing. Don’t ignore them, or think it’s a sign of weakness if you can’t sort things out by yourself. Don’t believe anyone who says, “Oh, you’ll grow out of it!” You might with luck, but it’s much smarter to seek help and advice.

Lessons are tailored to the needs, aptitude, aims and aspirations of each student. Often, the focus is more on what not to do. The more you prevent unwanted reactions, the easier it is to discover something better. In fact, the right thing tends to do itself! Unlike in other lessons, the teacher uses subtle ‘Alexander’ hand contact to help explain what is to be learned. It’s sometimes called ‘psycho-physical re-education – long words that simply highlight the connection between thinking and doing. The experience is deeply relaxing as old habits let go and are replaced by a sense of integration and liveliness. Specific disorders tend to ease away as overall functioning improves to meet necessary demands and challenges. The student soon begins to ‘own’ the Technique and to enjoy the benefits of continuing improvement.

Sometimes one or two lessons are sufficient. At other times, with long-standing habits, a series of lessons will be needed (6–20 lessons) to make a new approach part of your daily routine. Lessons are fun and focus on exploring one of your main interests – YOU! Lesson scheduling is flexible, depending on your need and how many people are on the waiting list.