Who studies the Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is for people of all ages, professions, and interests. Whether at home, work, or play, the Alexander Technique can greatly improve the quality of your life.
 

What is the History of the Alexander Technique?

Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was born on the island of Tasmania. At a young age he developed a passionate interest for acting, particularly Shakespearean oration, and for many years enjoyed a burgeoning career, touring Australia as an actor with much success.  Early in his career, however, F.M. Alexander began to develop chronic hoarseness during performances, which often progressed into complete loss of voice.  This condition was deeply distressing to the young F.M. Alexander, so he naturally sought aid from medical doctors.  Unsatisfied with their diagnosis and treatment, he decided to take the matter into his own hands.  It is in this spirit that he embarked on a many years long odyssey of self-observation, self- experimentation, and self-study, during which he discovered that the use of his voice was directly related to the overall use of himself.  The process of solving his voice problems developed into what is now known as the Alexander Technique.  What began as an investigation into his own chronic voice problems emerged as a complete revelation in human movement and consciousness.  F.M. Alexander continued to develop and refine his Technique well into the final years of his life, teaching individual students, training teachers, and writing numerous books and articles.  There are currently 2,500 Alexander Technique teachers worldwide and over 800 in the United States. Now in practice for over 100 years, the Alexander Technique is highly regarded internationally in the realms of science, the performing arts and academia.

How does the Alexander Technique compare to movement disciplines such as tai chi, yoga, and Pilates?

The Alexander Technique is not a form of exercise, but rather, a set of principles that can be applied to any activity.  Tai chi, yoga, Pilates and other movement disciplines are activities that help support many of the same aims as the Alexander Technique, such as lengthening the spine, improving balance and breathing.  Most movement disciplines are experienced through a form of regularly practiced exercises.  There are no exercises to be practiced for the Alexander Technique. Instead, there are principles that can be taken home and applied to the activities of life.  In fact, the Technique can be applied quite effectively to all movement disciplines to deepen awareness and improve the quality of movement.

What are the qualifications of an Alexander Technique teacher?

An Alexander Technique teacher is a highly trained and kinesthetically insightful individual who has completed 1,600 hours of intensive training over the course of three years at an AmSAT-approved teacher-training center.  Some areas of proficiency are: teaching skills, observational skills, kinesthetically refined touch, verbal skills, listening skills, basic understanding of human anatomy, and knowledge of scientific research related to the Alexander Technique.  An Alexander Technique teacher is trained to work with students holistically, addressing the student’s needs by instructing the whole dynamic body.