More about the Technique

History of the Technique

“My technique is based on inhibition, the inhibition of undesirable, unwanted responses to stimuli, and hence it is primarily a technique for the development of the control of human reaction.”

F. M. Alexander

Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869 - 1955) was a Shakespearean actor and orator who developed his Techinque as a result of his own vocal problems while performing on stage.

At the height of his career he began to suffer from hoarseness and the loss of his voice during recitals.

Failing to find any medical treatment that worked he was determined to find the cause of his vocal issues.

"Could it be something I am doing in using my voice that causes this condition?”

After years of careful self-observation and experimentation he discovered that his voice problems were not caused by deterioration of his vocal mechanism, but from excessive tension and unconscious movement patterns.

The deeply ingrained habit of pulling his head back down compressed the spine and put pressure on his larynx.

This interference of the relationship between his head, neck and back was disrupting the functioning of his entire neuro -muscular system resulting in his breathing problems.

The changes he made in his coordination by consciously addressing the primary postural support not only improved his breathing and restored his voice, but also greatly enhanced his overall health.

He dedicated most of his life to developing and teaching principles of his technique, exploring the relationship of habit, thought and perception to human movement and functioning.

Alexander's search for improving his vocal problems gave us a new way of approaching change and set the foundation for maintaining optimal health.