 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetmajr
Date: 2004-01-10 04:57
I was wondering if anyone here has taken a class in Alexander technique and what their reaction was? I have the opportunity to take Alexander Technique, but I went to the first class and didn't really feel it was that helpful. I would hate to waste my money so i'm thinking of getting out of this unless it really starts to help me. Does anyone have any experience/ advice on Alexander technique and how it has helped your playing?
Thanks!
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Author: ron b
Date: 2004-01-10 05:06
Clarinetmajr -
Some, including me, probably don't know what Alexander Technique is. Could you fill me (us) in just a little more so we'll know what we're discussing? Thanks.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
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Author: ChrisC
Date: 2004-01-10 06:09
I don't know a thing about the Alexander Technique, but the way that I've seen it advertised, claiming to be a panacea for a number of unrelated problems, makes me think it's most likely a gimmick at best and at worst a scam. Still, I have absolutely no clue as to what it entails. Any en,ightment would be most helpful!
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2004-01-10 12:45
My impression is that it is a lot of hype and marketing attached to the concept of relaxing the muscles which are not necessary for what you are doing, which in itself is a basically good idea.
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2004-01-10 17:13
Unlike the others who have responded so far, I have taken an introductory course in Alexander Technique. It was offered through the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), a highly respected St. Louis Academy. I would describe the technique as movement reeducation with an emphasis on breaking bad habits in posture and movement. I found the course worth the cost (in addition to several classes, the course included a private session where the instructor worked with me on my posture and movement while playing the clarinet). Had one been offered, I would have taken a followup course. Of course, YMMV.
Madeline Bruser describes Alexander this way in her book, "The Art of Practicing:"
"The Alexander Technique cultivates an awareness of body use and the ability to differentiate between necessary and unnecessary effort. Through verbal and hands-on guidance, he student learns to carry out such daily activities as sitting, standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and working at a computer with ease. Musicians also learn to free themselves from inefficient and tension-producing postural and movement habits in practicing their instruments and experience freedom in making music. The technique focuses particularly on releasing tension in the neck, maintaining a lengthened and well-aligned spine and releasing the joints to discover natural coordination and grace." (pp. 255-56)
A great deal of information is available at the promotional (and remember, it is promotional) website:
http://www.alexandertechnique.com/
I think it's unfair to describe Alexander Technique as "hype" or "gimmick" or "scam." The technique is well-respected within the bodywork profession and one must undergo extensive training to become a certified instructor. According to the website I referenced above, people who have publicly endorsed the technique include: George Bernard Shaw, Aldous Huxley, Paul Newman, Jeremy Irons, Joel Gray, Julie Andrews, Kevin Kline, Joanne Woodward, John Houseman, Robin Williams, James Earl Jones, Ben Kingsley, Paul McCartney, Yehudi Menuhin, [and] James Galway. (In the interests of brevity, I have abridged the list.)
I suppose I could describe the repair tech profession as hype or gimmick or scam because, after all, anyone who can follow a cookbook can disassemble a clarinet, oil it, replace pads, corks, and springs and reassemble it. If I did, however, Gordon and others would quickly and correctly point out that a good experienced repair tech does many subtle things and makes subtle (and not-so-subtle) adjustments that the home hobbyist knows nothing about. IMO, the same can be said for a good Alexander instructor.
That said, you have to decide whether you think the course is worthwhile for you. The courses tend to be expensive because, if they are being done right, the classes are small and there is considerable personal attention, including private sessions. Also, to benefit from the course, you have to apply what you have learned constantly (practice). This is harder than it sounds -- old (bad) posture and movement habits run deep. As is the case with clarinet maintenance, you have to weigh the costs and benefits. (I do my own clarinet maintenance, BTW.)
Standard disclaimer: I have no connection with Alexander Technique financial or otherwise.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Gretchen
Date: 2004-01-10 18:56
I completely agree with what Jack Kissinger. I would definately recommend Alexander Technique to anyone.
I took an Alexander Technique class last year and really learned a lot. Not only do you learn what parts of your body do what, but you learn how to use your body as efficiently as possible.
Sometimes we form bad habits that an Alexander Technique teacher can spot and work with you to help make better, teaching you learn how to use your body and muscles in the best way possible.
I hope you end up taking some classes. You'll learn a lot!!
Gretchen
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2004-01-10 21:33
Last year I had problems with my neck, shoulder and arm. The pain became so bad that I almost had to stop playing. Over the course of 18 months I went to physiotherapy, chiropractor and acupuncture. Although these gave some relief to my symptoms, they did not solve the problem. I am happy to say that since I started Alexander technique in December, my pain has almost completely disappeared.
Alexander technique is widely practised by actors and musicians around the world. It is also offered at many of the top conservatories and acting schools. It is certainly no gimmick!
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Author: Wayne Thompson
Date: 2004-01-11 03:28
I took a beginning singing class from an instructor that said that some of our warmup exercizes and meditations were based on the Alexander Technique. The whole situation, her style, the challenge of using parts of my body I was unused to working, the unusual exercizes, the newness of singing in front of people- I think all added to my musicianship.
And here is a seemingly unrelated issue that I think has something to do with this. Can you dance? I contradance regularly. I think that dancing (which involves being comfortable in your body), helps me make music better. When I dance with a newcomer who is stiff and thinking too hard, I want to shake them, to get them to let the music flow on through their legs instead of getting stuck in their brain. Playing clarinet is dancing with your fingers and face and chest, is it not?
So even though I have not taken the course, I believe that Alexander Technique would be good to learn.
WT
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-01-11 09:24
Never heard of this technique, but a teacher of mine highly advocates minimizing all movement except that required to produce sound. It leads to a greater awareness of how much is lost when you try to move around "emotionally," pull back on high notes, or "wind up" before starting a passage. I've found this approach exceedingly valuable, and imagine that the Alexander Technique would lead to results in a similar direction.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Cliff Scale
Date: 2004-01-11 20:34
When I was studying with John Yeh of the Chicago Symphony, he recomemded that I study the Alexander Technique for a more relaxed attitude in playing and performing. I was unable to do this at the time, but I have read several books on the subject and some day would like to study. From what I have read it will definitely help!!
Cliff
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2004-01-15 18:22
Old thread - sorry I missed it.
I have been taking private Alexander Technique lessons on and off for 8 years, and credit it more than anything else for letting me continue to play into my 50's. Got rid of hand and neck problems completely.
Regards
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Author: martin
Date: 2004-01-15 18:57
Since its already been described there is no need. I have been taking private Alexander classes for the last three years. it has helped relieve chronic neck and head pain I had for over 10 years.
Believe me it is not gimmicky or hype. Before starting Alexander lessons realize it is not merely something done to you by an instructor during a class. You take the concepts with you and practice them, after time it becomes an on going part of your life.
Julliard, the New School and New York University offer classes.
Martin Shapiro
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2004-01-16 02:07
I have taught Alexander technique for 10 years, and know it has added years on to my playing career...it is ideal also for students who are having difficulties with tension in the hand and shoulders....
Many excercises focus on stetching and relieving tension problems which are many times related as much to posture and the way we carry our selves about-as to its use many performers find they are able to play for longer sessions and work more frequently ....
David Dow
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