Alexander Technique for the Arts

03/27/2023

The term “Mind-Body Connection” is more or less part of our common language these days. I use the term loosely when talking to my students, if only because there is no viable alternative to a connected mind and body! The challenge that we are often presented with is that the relationship between the two can become uncoordinated, confused and even overloaded leaving us feeling as if there is no possibility of achieving a healthy sense of conscious control over how we do what we do.

For example — say your shoulders go up when you sing that high note. Odds are you did not intend for that to happen, but it did — because YOU did! The problem is that it was not a conscious choice you made, but an unconscious habit or response. Even if you do notice it, you probably have a hard time stopping yourself from doing it the next time, and the next. As musicians, our lives are full of examples of the struggle between having a clear intention of what to do and not do, but things not going to plan as if our minds and bodies are speaking different languages altogether.

The Alexander Technique is a valuable tool in understanding how these two layers —the mind and the body— of our consciousness interact with one another which is absolutely essential to our learning and well-being.

10/13/2022

A new, concise, and brilliant description of the science behind the Alexander Technique!

Ease = A clear sense of how our bodies move + developing the skill to regulate the tension with which we approach our daily activities!

The Alexander Technique is an educational method for changing long-standing habits of tension. Research suggests it results in improved movement, balance and...

09/07/2022

From Sept. 19-25, I will be offering FREE introductory Alexander Technique and Voice lessons for new students in the Austin area! To schedule, please contact me via email (below) or through PM.

08/27/2022

Practicing what I preach: a little Alexander Technique Lying Down work before my second performance tonight.

What am I thinking about?

✅ Freeing my neck
✅ Allowing my head to release at the top of the spine (the books are there to support the cervical curve)
✅ Noticing the length and width of my back with the help of the floor (and gravity!)
✅ Releasing hips, knees, ankles
✅ Releasing the joints of the arms
✅ Observing the natural quality of my breath in this particular moment and encouraging free movement of the ribs.

08/25/2022

Happy to be presenting 3 Alexander Technique masterclasses this month at two prestigious institutions!

Sept 8 | Alexander Technique & Choral Conducting | The University of Texas at Austin

Sept 19 | Alexander Technique & Musicians’ Health | The University of Texas at Austin

Sept 22 | Alexander Technique for Singers | University of Notre Dame

I am currently offering both virtual and
in-person masterclasses for (but not limited to) singers, instrumentalists, conductors, and more. Message for details.

02/04/2022

We must be able to fearlessly and constructively look at and within ourselves to touch the potential of what we can become.

01/22/2022

“Many of us have been running all our lives. Practice stopping.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022)

“People talk about entering nirvana, but we are already there,” said the Buddhist monk, who died on Saturday. Here is a short selection of his remarks.

01/20/2022

Born on this day in 1869 in Tasmania, F.M. Alexander was the unlikeliest of candidates to pioneer a teaching method that would continue to change peoples' lives over 100 years later. A simple actor who kept losing his voice during performances, he set out to solve his own problem and proved that each of us has enormous potential to learn, grow, and change. The Alexander Technique teaches that if we know how to work on and with ourselves, we can do just about anything and meet any obstacle we may face with ease, grace, and quiet strength.

01/19/2022

"Above all, work without an agenda to change the world. The Work is always in the process of clarifying itself — like all great ideas — if we allow it and ourselves to be open and spacious. It started when Alexander first looked into those mirrors and continues each time we think our Directions or guide a student into the chair. Enjoy being a part of it."

by Steven Brennfleck, M.AmSAT, D.M.A. www.alexanderforthearts.com

01/13/2022

Weeks ago, my page disappeared without a trace! Thanks to Kristina Driskill for coming to the rescue to solve the mystery! I've worked with Kristina for several years -- she's a brilliant and caring consultant and web designer for artists like me! Highly recommend!

Happy to be back up and running. New blog posts and content coming soon!

09/14/2021

I had the great pleasure of returning to my alma mater this morning to teach some Alexander Techniqe to UT’s undergraduate choral conductors! 🤘

09/09/2021

Looking forward to leading these upcoming Alexander Technique masterclasses for musicians at these fine institutions!

Alexander & Instrumentalists Health | Butler School of Music | UT Austin |
Sept. 13th

Alexander Technique and Conducting | Butler School of Music | UT Austin |
Sept. 14

Introduction to the Alexander Technique | Texas Lutheran University | Sept. 27