History of the Alexander Technique

1
History of the Alexander Technique

• The Alexander technique is a way of learning how
  you can get rid of harmful tension in your body.
• Frederick Matthias Alexander was an actor and
  orator who began to lose his voice. When doctors
  found no physical explanation, Alexander took the
  matter into his own hands by observing himself
  thoroughly. He realized that before speaking, his
  entire body stiffened. By using his body more
  efficiently, Alexander was able to end the
  pattern of voice loss.

2
The Process
CLICK FOR MORE INFO

• Begin by observing your current posture without
  any modification.
• Realize the spatial relationship of your head
  compared to the rest of your body
• Allow head to move upward, and body to follow
  (moving in the direction of ease).
• Slowly breathe as you imagine lengthening
  vertically and allowing shoulders to widen and
  rib cage to relax downward.
• Return to observation while maintaining thoughts
  of ease.

3

• Sing the following melody on an o vowel as in
  coat.
• Keep in mind the steps of the Alexander
  Technique observe, move in the direction of
  ease, and return to observation.

4
Benefits of the Technique for singers

• To achieve good vocal technique, singers strive
  for the release of tensions which hinder the
  freeness of the voice and breath.
• When the neck is freed, articulators open and the
  jaw releases.
• As the body lengthens from the point of balance,
  excessive tension is released.
• The act of lengthening as you breathe releases
  the neck and prevents shallow, gasping breaths.
• more information

5
Sound sample

• Message in a Bottle

6
Success stories
Kevin Kline, Paul Newman, John Cleese, Joanne
Woodward, Jeremy Irons, Keanu Reeves, Maggie
Smith, Robin Williams, Sir Colin Davis, Paul
McCartney, Sting, Joel Gray, Howard Stern... Some
of the many institutions where it is part of the
curriculum American Dance Festival Juilliard
School London Academy of Music and Dramatic
Art Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts New York
University Hunter College, NYC Circle in the
Square, NYC