What is The Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is a way of learning to change patterns of chronic tension that have unconsciously become a fixed part of how we move, breathe, and act in the world. It is designed to bring forth the grace and balance innate in every human body. Habitual psycho-physical patterns can limit your functioning or cause you pain. In the Technique’s simple, systematic process, students relearn movement and undo the patterns which interfere with natural coordination.

F.M. Alexander was a professional actor who developed the Technique in the early 1900’s in response to recurring voice problems. Leaders in the field of mind/body medicine and behavioral science have supported Alexander’s innovative research. Clinical studies have shown that the Technique improves breathing capacity and posture, modifies stress response and is, for those who suffer from chronic pain, an effective method for achieving long-term relief. Significant long-term benefit from Alexander Technique for low back pain has been demonstrated by a major study published by the British Medical Journal in August 2008.

Who studies the Alexander Technique?

• Anyone wishing to experience more natural ease of movement, breathing, fluidity, strength or expressiveness.

• Those who are uncomfortable due to stress, as well as those with pain due to postural habits, movement difficulties or old injuries.

• Singers, actors, dancers and athletes to enhance their performance.

It is essentially a “pre-technique” that can be learned to enhance performance in all activities and can provide the key to entering the elusive state that artists and athletes call “The Zone” or “Flow”, a place where effortless performance is possible.

The Technique is taught worldwide in universities and conservatories, including the Juilliard School, the New England Conservatory of Music, Yale School of Drama, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the Royal College of Music, the Stratford Festival of Canada and the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television.

What is a lesson like?

Using a combination of hands-on work and oral instruction, the teacher guides a student through a range of everyday activities: walking, bending, sitting, breathing and speaking. During this process, you become aware of inefficient patterns. In a lesson, students explore alternatives which do not involve habitual tension, collapse, imbalance or excess effort. Habitual patterns of movement in other areas of one’s life, such as playing an instrument, singing, public speaking, using a computer or horse-back riding, can also be worked on.

Which well-known people have studied the Technique?

Julie Andrews, Paul Newman, John Cleese, Ben Kingsley, Sting, William Hurt, Robin Williams, Jeremy Irons, Kevin Spacey, Keanu Reeves, Hillary Swank, Paul McCartney, Julian Bream, Yehudi Menuhin, James Galway, Colin Davis, Dr. Andrew Weil

“The Alexander Technique has played an important part in my life. It keeps the body alive at ages when people have resigned themselves to irreversible decline. Those committed to it find they cannot do without it….With all its demands, the Alexander Technique is worth every moment it asks for, and those once committed to it may well find that they cannot do without it. It is an enlargement of whatever life may be yours.”

Robertson Davies, renowned Canadian author

“The Technique’s many benefits for actors include minimized tension, centredness, vocal relaxation and responsiveness, mind/body connection and about an inch and a half of additional height!”

Kevin Kline, American actor

The Alexander Technique and Voice

Vocal freedom is our birthright. Unfortunately, unconscious habits often get in the way.

Many voice teachers are able to sense that students suffer from excess tension (tight jaw, stiff neck, locked ribs, etc.). However, other than bringing it to their attention, not all voice teachers are able to help students overcome these habits. The Alexander Technique is a wonderful tool by which a teacher can teach the student how to find balance and ease in his/her whole body, thus allowing for the freedom to make a beautiful, unforced sound.


“The feeling that your tone is free, borne on its own wings of energy, is one of the greatest delights of life – because you are its creator.”

Giovanni Battista Lamperti, Dresden, 1890’s