Actors
F.M. Alexander, the originator of the technique, a Shakespearean actor who was plagued by vocal issues arising from stage fright induced muscular tension. Through his diligence and hard work, Alexander was able to unlock some powerful truths about how we use ourselves as people and performers. For nearly a century, many of the world’s top actors have employed the Alexander Technique as a mainstay in their work. AT is useful in helping all kinds of people but none more than the performing artist. The top drama, dance, and music conservatories/colleges in the world almost always have a certified teacher on staff to help lay the foundation for good habits in serious students. The work can help with:
-Reducing stage fright and self consciousness -Increasing focus and awareness
-Increasing vocal resonance and clarity -Improving balance and coordination
-Unlearning un-useful habit patterns -Reducing unnecessary muscle tension
-Deepening emotional expressivity -Increasing the enjoyment of performing
-Improving self awareness and control of your -Improving audition presence...and more
creative instrument
Musicians
For many of us nothing moves us quite as deeply as music. Musicians have the capacity to transcend language and culture and to communicate to us a primal level. For most musicians come great challenges with learning to look after our physical and emotional instruments, as well as the ones that we play. If we think of ourselves as a cello it is easy to understand that in order to play a song well we must first be in tune and in order to be in tune, we require just the right amount of tension. This is where a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique can help. By offering verbal and hands-on feedback to help release habits of unnecessary tension that may be standing in the way of you really being free with the music that you love. Alexander Technique the world over has helped countless musicians in every category feel more balanced, connected, and in tune with themselves and the music that they play.
Athletes and Movers
The Alexander Technique is fantastic for the unique challenges that athletic people face. Most movers at some time wrestle with; repetitive stress injuries, performance related stress, malcoordination or mechanics, back, neck and joint pain, or worst of all, the loss of the ability to do the things that we love to do. This is where an Alexander teacher can step in and help. Whether you’re a runner looking to up your miles with less pain, a dancer wanting to make new connections in your body, a surfer wanting to increase paddling efficiency, a golfer looking to lower your score, a yogi interested in bringing less tension to your vinyasa, or even a team sport player looking for a unique psychophysical edge, the Alexander Technique can and does work.
Everyday Folks
In these modern times it seems almost inevitable that we are interacting with our devices and other technology for a good portion of the day. For many of us it’s most of the day. While our wonderful technology and our ability to use it is evolving at an unprecedented rate, our bodies’ naturally slow-paced evolution is having to play catch-up like never before. Unfortunately it is not a race that we will win in this lifetime. Sore backs, necks, migraines, wrist, thumb and carpal tunnel issues are becoming a global epidemic. Not to mention work related stress, fatigue and burnout which are for many, the norm. These challenges affect not only how we feel at work but they also affect how we feel about our work.
Having lessons with a certified Alexander Technique teacher can help you target some of the issues that you face and can support you in healing and moving forward with more comfort in the workplace or home work station. More comfort = more pleasure = more focus and productivity. Give yourself the opportunity to feel better at work!
Public Speaking
According to “The Book of Lists” the fear of public speaking ranks number one in the minds of the majority of people. Far above the fear of death and disease, comes the fear of standing in front of a crowd. So if you are in a position where you are required to speak publicly and you feel some fear and anxiety, you are anything but alone.
The Alexander Technique’s indirect approach is wonderful for people wanting to reduce the stress associated with public speaking and or performing. Gain insight into your habitual reaction to stress inducing stimuli and how to circumvent these habits and reactions with some new tools. Speak with more poise, confidence, and resonance. Be more engaged and engaging.
Stress and Anxiety
People who struggle with fear, anxiety and depression often find some helpful support in the Alexander Technique. While the Alexander Technique is not a therapy it’s benefits are very often therapeutic. A wonderful adjunct to psychotherapy and other healing modalities AT can offer insight into how our past experiences become habits that become how we view our lives and our world. The Alexander Technique can offer tools to move forward in your life in a new way with more ease, joy and freedom. Your sensitivity, and confidentiality will be respected.
Just Curious
People who struggle with fear, anxiety and depression often find some helpful support in the Alexander Technique. While the Alexander Technique is not a therapy it’s benefits are very often therapeutic. A wonderful adjunct to psychotherapy and other healing modalities AT can offer insight into how our past experiences become habits that become how we view our lives and our world. The Alexander Technique can offer tools to move forward in your life in a new way with more ease, joy and freedom. Your sensitivity, and confidentiality will be respected.