What is the Alexander Technique? 

 

The Alexander Technique was developed by F.M. Alexander over 100 years ago. After suffering from a voice disorder that crippled his acting career, Alexander set off on a long period of self-observation and experimentation in an effort to overcome his problem. What he discovered were habitual patterns of tension that were interfering with the proper functioning of his voice. After noticing the same habits in other actors, he began to teach what he had learned to the general public. Since then, thousands of people have experienced the benefits of reduced tension, stress, and anxiety, relief from neck, shoulder, back and joint pain, increased stamina, and improved performance.

 

During his life, his work caught the attention of many prominent figures in the fields of medicine, philosophy, education, and the performing arts. Now, his Technique is taught throughout the world and in nearly every major arts conservatory (The Juilliard School, The Curtis Institute, Eastman School of Music, the New School for Drama, among many others).

 

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What Is an Alexander Technique Lesson Like, and What Are the Benefits?

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An Alexander Technique lesson is an exploration of the habits of tension that cause you strain, stress, and injury. The Technique is a "hands-on" experience which means the teacher will utilize a gentle touch to help you become more aware of your body and guide you through various activities. Lessons are usually 45 minutes in length and are divided into three parts: Chair Work, Table Work and application. Through the very common activity of sitting in and standing up from a chair, we aim to discover better ways for you to use your body in stillness and in activity. Table Work helps encourage release of unnecessary tension and increased body awareness as you lie on a table or the floor. If you are a performing artist or regularly engages in other forms of physical activity, we will often spend some time working with that specific action. 

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Commonly reported benefits include:

- Reduced tension and anxiety

- Pain relief  (Neck, back, shoulder, disc problems, arthritis, etc. ) 

- Improved posture, balance and stability

- Increased physical stamina and breath capacity

  ……and many more

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For performing artists, the Technique has also been reported to help improve performance anxiety, fatigue, and increase expressivity, stage presence, and ease of sound production in vocalists and instrumentalists.

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Alexander Technique Lesson Rates

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First Lesson/Consultation    $75 (Austin or Virtual)

                                                  $85 (Other In Person locations)

 

One-hour lesson (in person or virtual) during which we will go through a traditional Alexander Technique lesson, discuss how you can apply it to your specific activities (singing, speaking, playing an instrument, sitting at a desk, etc.), and how you can begin to practice on your own. 

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Sliding Scale Fee 

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Following your first lesson, I offer many options to help make regular lessons affordable for you based on your financial considerations and your level of interest. Please contact me for further details.

 

Group Classes | Masterclasses | Introductory Classes | Etc.

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I frequently offer classes of all formats to educational institutions, performing arts groups, businesses and many more. If you are interested in learning more about how to organize one of these events, please contact me below. 

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FAQ

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How many lessons will I need?

The purpose of the Technique is to build self-awareness, teach you to recognize bad habits and promote positive changes so that you can function with greater ease, efficiency, and without pain. This can require time and patience. Generally, I recommend students commit to 8-12 lessons initially, however many students notice tangible improvements after only a few lessons. 

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How often should I have lessons?

Most students take one lesson a week. However, there are enormous benefits to taking several lessons a week in the beginning of your study. This is something we will discuss in your first lesson based on your interests and goals. 

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Is the Alexander Technique about posture?

The Alexander Technique is very commonly associated with improving posture. However, a student quickly learns that the Technique is about much more! We work to identify physical and mental habits, including posture, that are preventing you from living and working without strain. Many people have also found improvement from physiological (ie. anxiety, headaches, asthma, muscle fatigue) and emotional challenges like performance anxiety with the Technique.

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Is the Alexander Technique just for performing artists?

F.M. Alexander himself was an actor and since the beginning the Alexander Technique has made a big impact in the arts. However, the Alexander Technique can benefit everyone!

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I have chronic pain, can the Alexander Technique help?

Yes. Many of my students come to the Technique because of persistent, chronic pain and have reported improvement. For example, research has shown (eg. see British Medical Journal link below) that the Alexander Technique is effective in reducing back pain. In our first lesson, we will discuss any issues you might be experiencing and how the Technique might help. If you have an injury or limited mobility, there are many ways we can adjust the lesson to your level of comfort. 

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News & Reviews

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"The Alexander Technique has had a profound effect on my flute playing. I breathe more freely, my tone is richer and fuller, and I am practicing with a renewed ease and joy! Thanks to Steven Brennfleck for his gentle guidance and immense depth of knowledge."

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Seetha Shivaswamy, flute

Austin, TX

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"The best part of the Alexander Technique is that it is a preventative tool that students can use at home to work on the source of pain, before it becomes an issue."

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Graham Yates, pianist

Austin, TX

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“The Alexander technique has completely changed my sound in its entirety. I went from playing with intense pain in between my shoulder blades and a stiff neck to pain-free playing and a newly revamped and projected, open sound.”

 

Karen Stephenson, bassoon

University of Texas at Austin

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"Steven introduced me to Alexander Technique in order to help with tension while singing. One class was all it took to open my eyes to its benefits. The concept simply clicked. As an actor, singer and dancer, I have been able to use the technique to further my craft through efficiency and breath. The clarity and patience Steven infuses into his lessons makes it easy for one to fall in love with AT. He effortlessly revolutionized my approach to body movement and stillness through the Alexander Technique. Because of the Technique, I have been able to adapt to having a herniated disk in a healthy way without sacrificing dance and athletics."

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Melinette Pallares, Singer/Actor/Dancer

New York, NY

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Alexander Technique in the News:  

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 “The Alexander Technique can help you (literally) unwind”

- Harvard Medical School Health Blog

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"Is the Alexander Technique for Back Pain?"

- The New York Times

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"Taking Care of Yourself Through 8 Shows a Week"

- Backstage.com