Alexander Technique

[julianj]

Hi, Does anyone have any direct experience of Alexander Technique as applied to musicians. I've heard that it can be very beneficial for learning to play in a more efficient relaxed way. That said, some people believe in astrology and homeopathy and I wouldn't take that seriously.

If it is genuinely useful I'd be interested in it, but I don't know whether it falls into the category of the scientific or the "alternative"?

[smallbusrider]

I've never heard of it. I don't know, maybe I live under a rock! lol :)

-SBR

[MSH1601]

This technique is used to break you out of bad habits and get your body to go back to the original movements you would have been naturally programed with as a baby ommitting any bad habits that interfere with the movement needed to play the guitar with the upmost fluidity of your body. Hence no tension hence less stress and stiffness.

The other way of looking at it is to have a teacher from the very beginning to make sure you're holding the guitar properly so you don't develop bad habits

[julianj]

I know what the claims are about it and we all know that it is good to be relaxed while playing. It is clear though that that is not easy to achieve and I was just wandering if anyone knew specifically how Alexander Technique goes about achieving this relaxation. Does it offer anything of real practical value which you can't get by just "trying to relax". I get the impression that for some people it does. I was just hoping to hear some first hand reports on if it works, how it works, how long it takes to see benefits etc etc...

[smallbusrider]

I find that the amount of relaxation for me at a gig is directly proportional to the number of guitar players in the audience!!!!!!

Seriously, if its a local gig and i know all the people in the audience and theres no serious guitar players there, i tend to play a better gig. When my guitar playing bros show up, i tense up. I hate that feeling when the pick seems so foreign to being held in your hand.

Oh but when you're relaxed and the notes flow like buttah...that's the ultimate!!!!!

Lata,
-SBR