Had a bit of a chat a while ago about Alexander Technique, and it's benefits for the musician / singer.

Does anyone do it regularly, and what are the benefits? I did a bit of pilates / yoga recently, which was great for core strength, stability and posture.

Any thoughts?

Is the Alexander technique the one that's supposed to relieve tension?

I've heard the term before, but what is it exactly?

Have a look at this site:

http://www.alexandercenter.com/pa/voice.html

Wow, thanks!

QUOTE (Emma C @ Apr 6 2005, 05:04 PM)

Had a bit of a chat a while ago about Alexander Technique, and it's benefits for the musician / singer. Does anyone do it regularly, and what are the benefits? I did a bit of pilates / yoga recently, which was great for core strength, stability and posture. Any thoughts?

Yes I did some Alexander Technique for a while, at the suggestion of a new voice teacher.

I found it magical with what it did for my posture and breathing when I was in earlier stages of learning voice. My understanding is that Pilates would include many of the same benefits.

During Alexander instruction, I learned to stand taller, to "unravel" neck and shoulder area, and to position weight further back when I stand.

There is nothing more boring in a singing lesson than being told to ccrrect posture every 5 minutes. The benefit of even a shortish Alexander course is that you can bury this problem and move on to more interesting things.

AT has indeed been discussed elsewhere before on this board, you can probably find it through the search :-)

I have done it and found it extremely helpful both for singing + piano and in everyday life in terms of learning to "unlearn" bad posture habits acquired over the years. There are several good ressources online to find out more about it. It is not like Pilates in that it does not involve actual exercise (like on the cadillac or reformer!) but has some of the same ideas about being centered. Pilates was developed to strengthen the body (JP himself was a gymnast who wanted to speed up recovery), Alexander Technique was developed for stage performers to "free up" their bodies (Alexander was an actor) - that is, in a very basic nutshell description! You would not get stiff after an AT session like you would after your first Pilates sessions, nor will AT do anything for your muscle strength: it is more about realignment, which is where it comes closer to Yoga. But it does not have the meditative and stretching/relaxing element to it either. It is all about using your body better.

I would also add that your experience can depend a LOT on your teacher. I was lucky in having an absolutely fabulous lady in New York when I lived there (http://www.habitandchoice.com/technique.html is her website and it provides some good links for further info) and she has recommended a couple of people in London for me to go to but I have just not had time yet to go...

I would totally recommend it to any performer, or anyone in fact!!!