What happens in an Alexander Technique Lesson?

The Alexander Technique teacher structures lessons specific to the pupil’s needs. Lessons varies greatly between individuals. The teacher will discuss what has inspired the student to explore Alexander Technique.

Before working with specialised skills or specific issues, it is important to establish a general positive attitude of the body. The teacher uses verbal instructions to bring about changes in the student, as well as using their hands (with the student’s consent). The touch is non-invasive, usually very light. Manipulation is not part of Alexander Technique.

The student is asked to engage with the stimulus the teacher’s hand offers, and entertain a certain quality of awareness. The teacher and student together devise constructive methods of thinking, which the student can use outside the lesson. The teacher’s contact brings awareness to subconscious habits, and has proved to be the most efficient way for the pupil to embody a new manner of movement.

The traditional form to learn the Alexander principles involves some sitting and standing from a chair, and lying down. The chair provides a practical way for the teacher to give students an experience of using themselves in a way which differs to their habit. The teacher has the student lie on a table to give them a supported place to work with releasing accumulated tensions. With more release, the skills students’ learn in the lesson become easier to apply.

Teachers might use balance plates or fit balls, may work with the student in postures similar to yoga, on all fours or with movements. There is opportunity to work directly on the activities students are most interested in or challenged by, whether it be musical performance and public speaking or sports, housework or computer work.

As with any skill,AlexanderTechnique takes some commitment and engagement for it to be of use. It differs from therapy in that the student is not passive, and differs from exercise because the skill learnt in Alexander Technique deals with co-ordination on fundamental levels and is something which can be applied in any activity.

It is generally considered that 10 lessons give the student a practical understanding of the principles, and 30 gives enough accumulated input for him or her to competently apply the principles without the teacher.

Sessions are usually 45 or 60 minutes weekly. Because a lesson involves moving, and usually some work with the student lying, loose comfortable clothing is recommended. Skirts or dresses are not appropriate and it is preferable for students not to wear sleeveless tops. Students are not required to undress, however it is usual to work without shoes.

Many students like to take notes from the lessons, or keep a journal of the changes which happen during the course of study. This is often an invaluable reference as the change Alexander technique brings about usually happens over a period of time.

Please contact the studio to discuss your particular interest and for booking details.

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