ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
YOUR LESSON
Private lessons are typically 45 minutes in length and are tailored to your unique needs. Lessons include explorations of your everyday activities (such as sitting, walking, lifting, reaching, etc.), constructive rest and specialized movements. The specialized movements vary depending on your specific lifestyle (ie. perhaps you are a photographer who spends much of your day accommodating your body for the ‘perfect’ shot or maybe a financial analyst whose bulk of work includes crunching numbers at a computer all day). Through both verbal instructions and hands-on guidance Morgan works with you to recognize inefficient habit patterns that may be interfering with your daily life as well as in your performing. Teaching you to develop a more refined awareness about your movement choices, exploring alternatives and learning to replace them with the skills you need to realize greater ease and improved balance/coordination.
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FAQ
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WHAT IS THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?
The Alexander Technique is an educational process that helps individuals identify - and change - poor habits that can cause excess stress, compression and fatigue. It teaches people to move more efficiently and with the least amount of unnecessary muscular tension.
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WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?
Anyone interested in reducing or eliminating chronic pain, improving at a skill, or looking to promote their overall well-being can benefit from the technique. Students of the technique include those with chronic conditions (i.e. Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Sciatica, etc.); physical problem that have been intensified through repetitive misuse of their body causing them pain, discomfort or stress (i.e. Repetitive Stress Injury, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, etc.); those with occupations that can cause bad postural habits (i.e. computer users, graphic designers, hairstylists, dentists, surgeons, carpenters, etc.); or those who must use their bodies with maximum efficiency and ease (i.e. actors, dancers, singers, musicians, performers, and athletes). Learn more specifics of the benefits you will see... BENEFITS
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HOW DO I LEARN THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?
The Alexander Technique is primarily taught in individual private lessons with a certified teacher. Introductions to basic principals of the Technique can also be taught in group classes or workshops. To learn more... YOUR LESSON
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HOW DOES THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE WORK?
The Alexander Technique works to eliminate inefficient habits by raising one’s awareness and exploring alternative choices for movement. To learn more... YOUR LESSON
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WHAT HAPPENS DURING A LESSON?
A teacher works with students’ unique habits that have developed over years of misuse and introduces them to new ways of thinking. Teaching people to improve the way they use their bodies to relieve pain, reduce stress, and prevent future injury. To learn more... YOUR LESSON
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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO AN ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE LESSON?
Comfortable, non restrictive clothing is suggested for lessons. Skirts and sleeveless tops are not ideal.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE LESSONS?
The number of lessons you take will vary depending on what your goals are. Most beginning students take lessons on a weekly basis for 2-6 months; however, if you find you are able to quickly integrate the principles of the technique and apply them on your own you may decide to come less frequently. Some have found that continuing lessons long-term is a great way to keep improving one's quality of life. Schedule your lesson today. CONTACT
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?
Unlike most other therapies with quick fix results and effects that are short lived, the Alexander Technique lessons offers gradual change that can have long-lasting results. Each lesson brings new insights and experiences that you can apply immediately. The Alexander Technique can be compared to learning a foreign language, as you continue studying and your understanding grows, you will be able to apply what you've learned to a wider range of activities. Within the first 6-10 lessons you will experience the benefits of your Alexander Technique lessons in your daily life. BACK TO TOP
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DO THE BENEFITS WEAR OFF AFTER I STOP TAKING LESSONS?
You will gain valuable knowledge after a series of lessons. Like learning to play an instrument you will always retain a certain amount of knowledge from your experiences; however, there are situations which may lead you to seek brushing-up, reinforcing or expanding upon what you’ve already learned. While everyone is different, it is possible for the benefits to last if you continue practicing the Technique and applying the principles in your day-to-day life. Start taking lessons today. CONTACT
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HOW MUCH ARE LESSONS?
Please contact Morgan for rates. Artists and discount packages are available. CONTACT
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DO I NEED A TEACHER OR CAN I READ A BOOK AND LEARN ON MY OWN?
Reading books is encouraged and will increase your knowledge, however the best results are seen when working directly with a certified teacher. An Alexander Technique teacher helps you become aware of unconscious habits that may be interfering with your everyday comfort and ease while helping you identify ways you can reduce pain, tension and stress. Begin learning now... CONTACT
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CAN I ATTEND AN INTRODUCTORY CLASS TO LEARN MORE BEFORE TAKING A PRIVATE LESSON?
Yes! If you’re new to the Technique, perhaps you’d like to attend ACAT's free monthly hands-on demonstrations - the first Monday of every month. Email Morgan for more information. CONTACT
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HOW DOES ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE COMPARE TO OTHER MODALITIES LIKE CHIROPRACTIC WORK, YOGA, MESSAGE OR FELDENKRAIS?
The technique differs because of its approach. It is an educational process which teaches individuals to make changes in their bodies through conscious awareness and thinking in activity. It is a practical method for eliminating issues of stress and excess muscular tension that may be interfering with your day-to-day life. Learn more about the how the Alexander Technique works. YOUR LESSON
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WILL LESSONS CONFLICT WITH MY PHYSICAL THERAPY?
No. The Alexander Technique is a great complement to physical therapy. Many doctors are very enthusiastic about the Technique and regard it as an added benefit to those working through recovery. BACK TO TOP
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WHAT IS AmSAT AND WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BECOME AN AmSAT CERTIFIED ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE TEACHER?
AmSAT (The American Society for the Alexander Technique) is the largest professional association of certified Alexander Technique teachers in the United States. The organization establishes and maintains the nation’s highest standards for teacher training, certification and membership. Certified teachers have completed over 1,600 hours of hands on work over a minimum of 3 years in an approved training course. During training students learn to identify movement problems through acute visual observation and communicate the possibilities for expansion and easeful movement through the kinesthetic sense. Human anatomy and physiology are taught as well as teaching skills that encourage learning in a supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere.
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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
I am happy to help. CONTACT
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F.M. ALEXANDER
Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was a Shakespearean actor born in Australia. As a young man he began experiencing recurring hoarseness whenever he performed. With his acting career on the line, he sought the help of vocal specialists and doctors, but no one seemed to have a long-lasting solution. After years of self-observation, F.M. discovered that there were habitual movement patterns (specifically excess tension in his neck) that whenever he spoke were interfering with his performing. Once conscious of these habits, he developed a way to speak with more ease that resulted in the elimination of his vocal problem. The improvement in his health was so impressive doctors and friends encouraged him to teach others what he had learned. After a career that spanned more than 50 years, he continued to refine his method of instruction and started training others to teach what would become the Alexander Technique.Today the Alexander Technique continues to gain recognition in being beneficial to anyone, regardless of profession, looking to improve their overall use and functioning.
