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Evey single thing we are doing in the work is exactly what is being done in nature.......the difference being that we are learning to do it consciously F M Alexander

The Alexander Technique was developed in the 1890s by Frederick Matthias Alexander, born in Tasmania in 1869.

A passionate actor, Alexander found himself suffering from recurring vocal problems detrimental to his career. He took advice from several specialists, to no avail as none could find a clear medical cause for his problem, The young Alexander came to believe that he must be doing something wrong himself when reciting, which in turn led him to strain or "misuse" his vocal organs.

A very determined young man, Alexander observed himself in mirrors and noticed that he stiffened his neck, pulled his head back and down and depressed his larynx, and believed this to be the cause of his problems. Through intense observation he realized that his patterns of use appeared to be activated by the very thought of beginning to recite, and in fact noticed several areas in his body where he found himself to exhibit tension, even areas that appeared at first unrelated to his voice. Alexander's voice condition wasn't confined to his vocal mechanism, it was a symptom of his use.

Alexander spent several years, working out how he could change his habitual reactions in order to prevent harmful use which resulted in an overall improvement in his health and general functioning.

Once his own use was improved, his vocal use, presence and breathing was improved, so much so that others began to seek his advice. In Melbourne around 1894 Alexander began teaching what he had discovered, teaching later in Sydney, until finally teaching of his method became his main occupation.So good were his results that a number of doctors would refer patients to him. In London where he later taught, Alexander's reputation grew fast and he is known to have a number of eminent pupils of his time.

Numerous doctors, including Peter MacDonald, who later became chairman of the BMA, were advocates of his work. He was regularly sent patients from such doctors who were unable to achieve the results through conventional medicine. In 1939, a large group of physicians wrote to the British Medical Journal urging that Alexander's principles be included in medical training.

Many were keen for Alexander's work to continue and so in 1931 Alexander opened a formal three-year teacher training course, which continued to run until his death at the age of 86.

People came to the United Kingdom from around the world to train as teachers of the Technique, and so today the technique is practiced taught, and used in numerous applications worldwide.

STORE AND FURTHER READING ( PAGE)

There are numerous books available on the Alexander Technique, however it is impossible to learn the technique simply from a book. All books will aid in your understanding and assist greatly when read alongside lesson.

Micheal Gelb body learning - A great first book to read if you are curious about the technique.

The following books I would recommend reading alongside lessons to enhance learning. Please note that whilst reading is helpful alongside lessons, it is impossible to learn the technqiue through a book. Many books will explain methods used and help you to understand what is happening in a lesson, but there is no book that will give you the experience required to improve your overall functioning in the way that lessons will. Hence I would always recommend that a lesson should be taken in order to experience the changes that you may be looking for.

Missy Vinyard

Ted Dimon (Dimon Institute)

Anatomy (Ted Dimon) - great anatomy book giving an easy resource for the anatomy

Judie Dench cover book? If permission is given for the photo?

Websites for reference

The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique (http://www.alexandertechnique.com) a great online source for information.