Alexander Technique

During the Autumn term 2006 the majority of one rehearsal session was set aside for an introductory talk on the Alexander Technique.  The presentation was given by Nerissa Kisdon, a Sheffield-based specialist in the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique is not about "good posture for bad backs" as is sometimes thought. It is one of the most subtle ways of taking responsibility for our continuing growth and development as human beings. The principles were first developed by F. M. Alexander (pictured) who was born in Tasmania in 1869 and, as a young man, pursued a career in the Theatre. Severe vocal problems almost forced him to give up his chosen profession, but an absolute determination to find the cause of his difficulty led him to the discovery of certain fundamental truths about human reactivity, co-ordination and movement. He was advised to bring his work to London where he taught until his death in 1955.

The Alexander Technique is a remarkably-effective means for changing tension habits and improving coordination. The Technique can be especially beneficial for musicians dealing with excessive stress, injury, or pain and for musicians wanting to enhance performance skills. The Alexander Technique is included in the curriculum of a number of conservatories and university music departments.

The Alexander Technique has a long history of helping instrumentalists and singers to perform with less stress and likelihood of injury. Musicians do some of the most complex and demanding physical movements of any profession. In recent years, the term Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) has come into popular use, but musicians have always had to face the challenge of performing the same complex muscular actions over and over again.

By helping musicians improve the quality of the physical movements involved in playing an instrument or singing, the Alexander Technique also helps improve the quality of the music itself. A violinist's stiff shoulders and arms will get in the way of a pleasing sound; a singer's tight neck or jaw will cause the voice to become less resonant. By helping musicians release undue tension in their bodies, the Alexander Technique makes possible a performance which is more fluid and lively, less tense and rigid.

Over the years, a number of prominent musicians have publicly endorsed the Alexander Technique: Yehudi Menuhin, Paul McCartney, Sting, Julian Bream, James Galway and the conductor Sir Adrian Boult, to name but a few.

Evaluation

Comments from members of the orchestra on the Alexander Technique talk:

"I was so glad to be at this fascinating session, I've known about the technique for many years and now I know just a bit more about it."

"Nerissa explained very clearly the principles of the technique and how it can be used to enhance musical performance.  I am already putting what I have learned into practice."

"Proper posture is absolutely vital for musicians. I know a former professional who was forced to change jobs due to occupational injury, and I myself have needed physiotherapy in the past.  After giving us a brief introduction to the origins and theory of Alexander Technique, Nerissa demonstrated the technique using two volunteers, a cellist and a bassoon player.  I hope my own problems have been settled for good, but – if not – I would certainly try AT in future. They say it’s good for relaxation too, and that would certainly not do me any harm!"