Alexander Technique

Pre-requisites for enrolment

This is course is suitable for both new students and those who would like to refresh and develop their understanding of Alexander’s discoveries. No prior knowledge required.

Content of Course

This course is a combination of theory and practical. Throughout our six weeks we will study/explore FM Alexander’s discoveries and concepts and how we can benefit from applying them to our own lives. We will have practical experience of how our thinking affects how we move in everyday activities like sitting, standing, walking, bending and lifting, etc. We will study some simple relevant anatomy and principles of everyday movement to remind us how our bodies actually move! We will discover that using more effort than we need not only doesn’t help us, but is often the cause of many of our problems. We will practice the skills necessary to release the unnecessary muscular tension – and how to prevent creating it in the first place! There will be opportunities for you to explore how Alexander’s work can help you personally in any particular interests you might have –singing, playing a musical instrument, sport, working at the computer, gardening  etc.

Teaching method(s)

Each week we will study Alexander’s teachings with a combination of lecture, discussion, and practical movement. As Alexander’s work is traditionally also taught using the teacher’s hands, there will also be the opportunity for students to experience this hands -on work – this is by no means compulsory.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Identify and release unhelpful tension;

• Appreciate the practical implications of thought and its effects on muscle activity;

• Be able to make an appropriate response to stimuli;

• Understand how ‘directions’ can release tension, restore balance and help prevent unwanted habits.

Sources

Core Readings

Each week there will be a small amount of text to read at home and I will email them to you or provide paper copies.

Class Handouts

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.