The Alexander Technique helps instrumentalists, singers , actors and dancers to perform with less stress and likelihood of injury. As we become more balanced and co-ordinated and our body awareness improves we can quickly apply this to our particular activity. The actor can play a character who is hunched over without damaging themselves, the musician can play with ease and fluidity, the dancer can move with an enviable degree of freedom of expression and the singer can produce a sound with more resonance.

 

In lessons we spend time getting you in centred support so you are able to squat with little tension, and move with greater freedom and fluidity. I will encourage you to think in activity, there should always be the possibility of movement even if you are sitting at the piano for example. We also spend time working with the voice and the breath which is relevant even if you don’t directly use your voice in performing.. I am happy for you to bring along your instrument and we can work with you whilst playing, in the same way we can work on whatever performance piece you are currently working on.

 

Here is a comment from a pupil:

"When I first came to Mark for lessons in the Alexander Technique I was suffering debilitating back pain, which was hampering my career as a musician and causing great distress psychologically. The lessons, though very subtle and gentle, have created powerful and permanent changes in my posture, movement and consequently, my whole life! The most visible results were in my shoulders as they gradually unclenched and dropped markedly away from my ears. To my amazement and delight, this had the effect of freeing my movement at the piano, imbuing my playing with a hitherto unknown ease and fluidity AND making me feel more relaxed and confident."
Taylor Damien

 

Some supporters of the Technique include Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Sting, Jeremy Irons, Maggie Smith, Robin Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Paul McCartney, Julian Bream, James Galway and the conductor Sir Adrian Boult.

 

“The Alexander Technique can be sustaining; it is something that if learned well, can be carried along with you for the rest of your life. It gives you confidence to be who you are when you are up in front of an audience."

Patrick Maddams, managing director, Royal Academy of Music

 

"The Alexander Technique has helped me to undo knots, unblock energy and deal with almost paralysing stage fright."

William Hurt, actor

 

If you would like to explore how the Alexander Technique can help you, why not book an introductory session?