frequently asked questions
Why study A.T.?
> To alleviate repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, tempomandibular joint syndrome, sciatica, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, asthma, back pain (see links for a study on lower back pain), or pain in any part of the body
> To improve posture, flexibility, coordination and balance
> To complement the medical treatment of Parkinson’s (see links for a study on idiopathic Parkinsons), Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis and other syndromes
> To decrease stress, anxiety and become more calm while remaining alert
> To improve presentations, lessen performance anxiety and increase choices as a speaker, athlete, dancer, singer, musician, or any person in the public eye
How do private lessons and group classes differ?Group classes are similar to private lessons. The teacher guides a group of 4-12 students through movements using verbal and visual explanations with a guided, non-manipulative touch. Unlike private lessons, students will do more exploratory movement work without the guidance of touch. Explorations will occur as a group, in partnering and through observing one person being lead through movement. Students learn from one another through dialogue and the observation of each other’s experiences. Classes last from one to one and a half hours.
How many lessons will I need to take?The number of lessons needed depends upon the individual. Some people take lessons until their back pain has disappeared, and others take lessons for years. I recommend a course of 10 lessons to develop a basic understanding. Whether you take 10 lessons or 20, you will carry new information away from each lesson. Since this work is an education, you decide when you are ready to stop taking lessons. Some people choose to come back for a refresher after six months and others continue working on their own.
How often should I come for lessons?During the first course of lessons, F.M. Alexander asked people to come everyday for the first week. Nowadays, coming that often is unnecessary. We have a greater awareness of our bodies, and many of us have less free time. I advise students to take lessons once or twice a week. I do not recommend taking lessons every other week in the beginning of the learning process.
What is the training for an Alexander teacher?There are certification programs for the Alexander Technique located all over the world. Teachers certified by AmSAT are required to attend a three-year, full-time program with over 1600 hours of training, and to follow their training with continuing education. None of this is a problem for an Alexander teacher, because Alexander teachers are drawn to the work by their love of learning.
Do you recommend any books about A.T.?I recommend viewing www.amsat.ws to explore the list of books and articles. I suggest two introductory books: Michael Gelb’s Body Learning and Glynn MacDonald’s The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Alexander Technique. If you are seeking a book dedicated to your specific area of interest, AmSAT has books on swimming, acting, singing, pregnancy, etc. and many CDs and DVDs. You can read plenty of information about Alexander Technique on the internet by performing a google search for “Alexander Technique”.