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50 Hortense St
Glen Iris, VIC, 3146
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0490 126 293
Practice of Jeremy Woolhouse, pianist and Alexander Technique Teacher in Melbourne, Australia
Specialist in working with musicians, RSI, posture re-education, neck, back and chronic pain management.
Monthly blog articles by Jeremy Woolhouse. Alexander Technique for daily life, music performance, specialised activities, pain relief and management.
In any educational process, there are inevitable ups and downs. When progress stagnates, this is an indicator that some mode of thought is preventing further development. One of the most confounding barriers to a musician is when an intention for musicality inadvertently creates conditions which limit performance.
Read MoreAlexander Technique is a process of removing interference. Without interference, concept flows into action effortlessly. Restrictions of physics still apply, so a conceived ideal may not be possible, but performance will be closest to intended, and most rewarding to the performer, when interference is minimised.
Read MoreA threefold process is at the core of Alexander Technique. Together, these three practices offer a concise springboard to its application. The acts are simple, the effects profound.
Read MoreThe frustration of lost car keys presents us with an opportunity to examine reaction and considered response. I use this example as an insight into the indirect nature of Alexander Technique, exploring the ‘end-gaining’ and ‘means-whereby’ attitudes.
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April 2006 is when I graduated as an Alexander Technique Teacher and began private practice. The ten years since have pass swiftly and I’m taking a moment to consider what has changed in my attitude and practice.
Read MoreBy its nature, Alexander Technique is indirect. It deals with unfamiliar sensations, and proposes new ways of thinking. Since its effects may also be very subtle, especially in the early stages of learning, students may be unsure if their practice outside of the lesson is “right”.
Read MoreAlexander Technique trains the use of oneself, in any situation. To the aspiring pianist, it is an effective technique to improve how one uses oneself at the piano. It falls short, however, of training a technique of playing the piano. Five years of territory study and additional years of private instruction gave me some ideas of piano technique, but there remained a incongruity between the coordination I’d learned through Alexander Technique, and what I understood the demands of playing the instrument to be. I discovered the Taubman Technique to be the bridge to that gap.
Read MoreTo have one’s eyes open seems like such a trivial thing. In the practice of Alexander Technique, however, it is an application of principles with deep implications. It challenges views on concentration and intention.
Read MoreThere is a reaction known as “fight or flight” which is triggered when we perceive danger. It is very appropriate when there is danger which needs an immediate fight or flight as a response. This happens very rarely in modern society, the response is usually triggered by an emotional threat for which fight or flight as a response is inappropriate. The resulting tension can create a massive limitation to performance and may guarantee a result which we were aiming to avoid.
Read MoreA recent clinical trial published in The Annals of Internal Medicine has produced results concluding that Alexander Technique is effective in reducing pain for those with chronic neck pain. The report on the study doesn’t go into any depth on how exactly the process achieves these results. This article is intended to demystify somewhat just how Alexander Technique sessions have produced such an impressive result in the study.
Read MoreThere are some very interesting considerations which are brought to light by the recent clinical trial on Alexander Technique. The study investigated chronic neck pain and proved the effectiveness of Alexander Technique and also acupuncture. This article examines the details of the study from an Alexander Technique teacher’s point of view.
Read MoreOn 2nd November 2016, The journal ‘Annals of Internal Medicine’ published a research entitled “Alexander Technique Lessons or Acupuncture Sessions for Persons With Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomised Trial”. The key findings show patients who attended Alexander Technique sessions had significant reductions in pain over the 12 month period.
Read MoreAll students of Alexander Technique arrive with an acknowledgement of scope for improvements in their life. It may be a pain one has, or a recognition of falling short of potential which is the catalyst to study. After a period of study, this initial motivation usually becomes fulfilled. Students may feel content to discontinue lessons. If the principles have been fully embodied, the student at this time is asking: “what now?
Read MoreThere is a story of a zen monk who approached his teacher after reaching a great realisation:
“Master, I have attained enlightenment! What should I do now?”
The master replied: “Have you finished your rice porridge? Then you should wash your bowl!”
There exists a myth that a ‘return to nature’ offers a solution to our everyday aches and pains. We blame computers and out modern lifestyles as the cause of all sorts of problems. However when we look at the principles at work behind the issues in modern life, we find that the same problems presided in times gone
Read MoreWe look to technology for solutions for our discomforts. There is a faith that many have - almost religious - that science can explain everything and a technological solution will ultimately be found. In human discomfort, this is not ever going to be the case. Whilst we can now do some remarkable interventions, one still needs to move in ways which don't create strain in order to maintain comfort. This is skill most of us have to re-learn as an adult.
Read MoreIn the sports and performing arts, there is what is known as Flow, or “being in The Zone”. It is considered the ‘state of mind’ where one is wholly absorbed in performance and is associated with moments of peak output. Although heralded as the ultimate state, performers often report being The Zone also leads to pain, or that pain interrupts Flow. This article considers the apparent paradox of using consciousness to preserve Flow and eliminate the negative side affects. It is relevant to anyone who associates being deeply engrossed in a task with stiffness or soreness.
Read MoreThere is a wonderful book by Pedro DeAlcantara called Indirect Procedures. The title epitomises both the main challenge students have with Alexander Technique, and the profound solution it proposes. I present here an example of a problem, and the unexpected principles which lead to its resolution
Read MoreFrom the small act of getting in and out of a chair, to the musician on the stage, there are numerous decisions to be made. Discernment and Judgement are forces which use observations as a force which can elevate or destroy satisfaction in any act. This article uses the example of pianistic performance, but aims to speak relevance to all activity
Read MoreA fine balance is required to manage any specialised skill. Attention must be divided amongst essential specifics, and simultaneously be united towards coordinated performance. Too much attention on one aspect is as disastrous as too little. I consider three fundamental categories encompass all constructive attention. Thinking is most positively constructive to coordinated performance when balanced across the three areas. Thoughts outside of their parameters interfere with successful engagement in skilled activity.
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