The alexander technique for musicians
The Alexander Technique is taught at many of the world's leading conservatories, including the Juilliard School, the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The Technique has become part of the professional training offered in so many prestigious institutions because of its ability to help with the wide range of physical and psychological challenges associated with making music. Since 2005, Tanya has taught the Technique at the Royal Conservatory, where her role has involved working with dozens of young musicians studying at The Glenn Gould School. Here's what some of them have to say about their experience of the work:
"Merely 3 months of Alexander Technique guidance allows me to play my instrument for longer periods of time, with much less effort. I stand and sit taller. I can also identify a cause when pain appears, and immediately treat it accordingly. I make sure to take breaks during practice. I notice I even carry my instrument better."
GGS student, Fall Term 2016
"Through my study of the Alexander Technique I can actually feel how […] habits add tension to my playing and noticeably affect my sound, and I am happy to report that I have already been having moderate success at working to undo them."
GGS student, Spring Term 2019
"Not only has the Technique made my playing far more efficient and effortless, it has also made my day to day life feel the same way."
GGS student, Fall Term 2018
"The Alexander Technique helped me to develop a vulnerability in performance, and more of an awareness of where I hold tension in daily life. (…) It absolutely helped me be a better artist, because my body was less 'in-the-way'."
GGS student, Fall Term 2019
"The way the Alexander Technique has influenced my playing is still ongoing. Tanya was creative and supportive in guiding me through this process, and I found that I could immediately improve my shifting and the resonance of my instrument. (...) I am drawn to the new freedom and ease in performance that I now know is possible, and will continue using all the tools I have learned to explore what lies in that potential."
Rebanks Fellow, Spring Term 2012
"I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to (…) apply the Technique on my instrument. (…) The experience of noticing better sound control, a broader quality of sound, as well as parts of the music that can cause tension has been extremely helpful. One of the most striking elements was realizing that the Alexander Technique and better posture can actually improve my sense of pulse and rhythm."
GGS student, Fall Term 2016
"I really hope this program will be available to the students forever. Tanya’s teaching blends thorough knowledge, passion for the Alexander Technique and for the evolution of her students, as well as humour and lightness. In all my life as a student, I have experienced uncountable teachers, and can say without hesitation that she is incredibly gifted and inspiring. (…) Her qualities, paired with the potential of the Alexander Technique, could very well send musicians injury-free into the real and wild world of performance."
Rebanks Fellow, Spring Term 2012
"Merely 3 months of Alexander Technique guidance allows me to play my instrument for longer periods of time, with much less effort. I stand and sit taller. I can also identify a cause when pain appears, and immediately treat it accordingly. I make sure to take breaks during practice. I notice I even carry my instrument better."
GGS student, Fall Term 2016
"Through my study of the Alexander Technique I can actually feel how […] habits add tension to my playing and noticeably affect my sound, and I am happy to report that I have already been having moderate success at working to undo them."
GGS student, Spring Term 2019
"Not only has the Technique made my playing far more efficient and effortless, it has also made my day to day life feel the same way."
GGS student, Fall Term 2018
"The Alexander Technique helped me to develop a vulnerability in performance, and more of an awareness of where I hold tension in daily life. (…) It absolutely helped me be a better artist, because my body was less 'in-the-way'."
GGS student, Fall Term 2019
"The way the Alexander Technique has influenced my playing is still ongoing. Tanya was creative and supportive in guiding me through this process, and I found that I could immediately improve my shifting and the resonance of my instrument. (...) I am drawn to the new freedom and ease in performance that I now know is possible, and will continue using all the tools I have learned to explore what lies in that potential."
Rebanks Fellow, Spring Term 2012
"I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to (…) apply the Technique on my instrument. (…) The experience of noticing better sound control, a broader quality of sound, as well as parts of the music that can cause tension has been extremely helpful. One of the most striking elements was realizing that the Alexander Technique and better posture can actually improve my sense of pulse and rhythm."
GGS student, Fall Term 2016
"I really hope this program will be available to the students forever. Tanya’s teaching blends thorough knowledge, passion for the Alexander Technique and for the evolution of her students, as well as humour and lightness. In all my life as a student, I have experienced uncountable teachers, and can say without hesitation that she is incredibly gifted and inspiring. (…) Her qualities, paired with the potential of the Alexander Technique, could very well send musicians injury-free into the real and wild world of performance."
Rebanks Fellow, Spring Term 2012
"The most remarkable results, such as freedom of expression through freedom of movement, or learning to breathe freely despite nerves, or being able to let go and enjoy playing are possible through the Alexander Technique."
-Alexander Baillie, international solo cellist
-Alexander Baillie, international solo cellist
