Welcome to my Alexander Technique web pages. I've collected information that I hope will be helpful and stimulating to inquirers new to the Alexander Work. It comes from my colleagues, my teachers, my pupils, from books, and from my own observations of what's changed in me over the years I've been applying this work. There are also links to many other Alexander Technique sites.
Trevor Allan Davies
BMus, LWCMD, MSTAT
Before you begin to explore this website, let me share a short anecdote told me by another Alexander teacher ...
Having been invited to give group Alexander classes to children in an elementary school, she was introducing the work to them (and their teachers and parents) at a school assembly.
She began by asking them, "Can anyone tell me what good posture is?"
Without a moment's hesitation, a member of the youngest class threw her hand up and hazarded her answer:
"Ready to move?"
The goal of the Alexander work seems to me to be essentially that. It teaches us to cultivate, to refine, constantly to restore, and (most importantly) to enjoy a readiness to move.
THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
F.M Alexander
father of the
Alexander Technique
Introduction
The Alexander Technique is a proven educational method for restoring balance and coordination, for managing physical and mental stress and pain, and for adapting successfully to change. It deals with the root causes of misdirected effort and activity.Its benefits can include:
- improved coordination, balance, and posture
- improved functioning of all systems, both voluntary and involuntary
- a greatly enhanced sense of well-being & the development of genuine self-esteem and confidence
- accelerated recuperation after trauma.There are no contraindicatons to the use of the Technique. It can be learned at any age, and there is no minimum prerequisite level of fitness.
Many great musicians, actors, artists, athletes, writers, and horse riders rely on the Technique for performance enhancement, injury prevention, and stress management. Tens of thousands of ordinary people in all walks of life do the same. There is no human activity which will not benefit from the appropriate application of the Alexander Technique.
Lessons are taught on a one-to-one basis, and the cost varies depending on the experience and needs of the teacher. Each lesson will last between 30 and 45 minutes. Most teachers agree that the average pupil will have a sufficient command of the Technique after 20 to 30 lessons to be able to apply it to their activities without a teacher's further input. This may vary according to the aptitudes and problems of the particular pupil.
Some exceptional individuals retain their natural poise and balance into adulthood, and may not experience any dramatic changes. The Technique is still a vital resource for such people in situations of shock, injury, or unforeseen challenge, when natural and unconscious gifts may suddenly abandon them.
Group work is often a valuable introduction to the Technique, and classes are offered by further education departments, colleges, and individual teachers. Such classes should introduce you to the principles underlying Alexander's discoveries, and help you to be more aware of your own patterns and habits.
They are no subsitute for the close personal attention and guidance of a teacher, and you will ultimately need the benefits of private lessons . For unedited comments from some of my pupils on the benefits of the Alexander Technique, please press here .
Certified teachers are required to have completed a three year, 1600 hour minimum training on a course approved by one of the many affiliated national socities of teachers.
Some Aspects of the Alexander Work
(Click on a topic for further information)Vocal and Respiratory Problems
Contacts:
For my contact information please go to my CONTACT & CALENDAR PAGE
Canadian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique:
The American Society of Teacher s of the Alexander Technique
The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (UK)
Recommended Reading
F.M. Alexander, The Use of the Self ; Dutton, New York, I932.
Brita Forsstrom and Mel Hampson, The Alexander Technique for Pregnancy and Childbirth; Victor Gollancz, London, I995
Ilana Machover and Angela and Jonathan Drake, The Alexander Technique Birth Book; Robinson Publishing Ltd, London, 1993
W. Barlow, The Alexander Principle; Victor Gollancz, London 1973
D. Caplan, Back Trouble: A New Approach to Prevention and Recovery; Triad Publishing, Gainesville, Florida,1987
Pedro de Alcantara, Indirect Procedures - A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique;Oxford University Press, I997
Sally Swift, Centered Riding, David and Charles; Pomfret, Vermont, 1985
Michael McCallion, The Voice Book; Faber and Faber Limited, London, England, 1988
Trevor Allan Davies and Marjory Barlow, An Examined Life; Mornum Time Press, San Francisco, 1992
FURTHER ALEXANDER LINKS ON THE INTERNET
Please follow these links to learn about my theatre and music work and my work with Marjory Barlow:
Trevor Allan Davies' Theatre and Music Pages
An Examined Life : Marjory Barlow and the Alexander Technique