"If you stop doing the wrong thing, the right thing will do itself."

F.M. Alexander


What are the benefits of the Alexander Technique?

There are many benefits of the Alexander Technique, including physical and psychological benefits.  In summary, students of the Technique learn life-long tools that they can use to help them to rid themselves of unnecessary muscle tension and chronic pain.  They are also better able to handle daily stress.


How can the Alexander Technique help me?

The Technique can increase your awareness of your body in movement.  It helps you release unnecessary muscular tension and learn to expand your body instead for optimum coordination.  It can reduce various types of chronic pain and help you deal more easily with any existing bodily limitations.  It offers tools for calming your habitual reactions and your nervous system in general.


How is the Alexander Technique different from other modalities?

Other modalities, such as massage therapy or chiropractic, offer treatments in order to produce results.  In contrast, the Technique is made up of tools learned through a series of lessons with a certified teacher.  The teacher gently works with the body of the student while engaging the student's thinking in an interactive, dynamic relationship.  Each Alexander Technique lesson is customized to enhance the educational needs of that particular student, including how to apply the Technique to a particular activity that the student does, like swimming, skiing, playing the piano, etc.  Questions from the student are always encouraged and welcomed. 

Who studies the Alexander Technique?

All types of people study the Alexander Technique.  Some people use it to be free from chronic pain or to recover from an injury.  Others use it to enhance their personal performance, improve coordination, relieve stress or just to improve their daily lives.  Some examples of people who have studied the Alexander Technique are:

• Computer users
• Performing artists
• Athletes
• Executives
• Health care professionals

The Alexander Technique is well-known by people in the arts and is taught at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, the New York Philharmonic, the Stratford Shakespearian Festival, the Juilliard School of the Performance Arts and in many colleges, universities and conservatories throughout the world. 

Who are some well-known students of the Alexander Technique?

Actors - Paul Newman, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Ben Kingsley, Patti Lupone

Musicians - Yehudi Menuhin, James Galway, Sir Paul McCartney, Sting

Others - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Moshe Feldenkrais, George Bernard Shaw

Having an Alexander Technique lesson

Instruction in the Alexander Technique occurs in a series of private, one-on-one lessons with a certified teacher.  Lessons usually last for 45 minutes.  In this format, the teacher can customize the lesson to focus on your individual needs and provide optimum learning opportunities for you. 

During a lesson, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing.  If possible, women should wear pants, not skirts.  The teacher uses a gentle, hands-on touch and minimal verbal coaching to help the student notice and release unnecessary habitual tension.  While working with the student lying on a table or guiding the student through basic movements, the teacher will engage the student's thinking to promote awareness and cooperation with the teacher's hands.  Particular attention is paid to the dynamic relationship of the head, neck and back, called the Primary Control, since that relationship affects the working of the whole body.

The combination of thinking and the guided movements often results in a vivid, new awareness on the part of the student of his or her habits and movements in daily life.  In addition to enhance awareness, most students report that they feel very relaxed and their movements are light and effortless during a lesson.  The ultimate goal is to teach the student to be able to monitor his or her own "use" and to apply the Technique in daily activities.



Costs

An Alexander Technique lesson lasts for 45 minutes and costs 45 Euros. 

A series of 10 lessons paid in advance will be offered at a discounted rate of 35 Euros per 45 minute lesson.  Discounts are also available for full-time students and retirees.

Lessons are given in both English and German. 



Contact Information

alexvoiceteacher@web.de

or 

Ms. Briceland at 030 26 34 91 22

Lessons take place at Bellermannstr. 76, Etg. 4 in Berlin-Mitte near Gesundbrunnen. 

Transportation Options
S-Bahn 1, 2, 25 and Ring-Bahn to Gesundbrunnen
U-Bahn 8 to Gesundbrunnen
M27 Bus at Pankstr.