How to Learn the Alexander Technique

Having Lessons

Alexander lessons need to be individual.

Typically, a first lesson may take an hour. After that, generally, half an hour is needed. (If it is necessary to extend a lesson beyond the half-hour, most teachers will do this).

The teaching involves both hands-on guidance and verbal instruction.

There are no exercises.

Your “homework” will include applying the principles you learn during lessons to your everyday activities: breathing, standing and sitting, running, playing the piano, digging the garden (whatever you do as part of your daily life).

You will be encouraged to stop trying to do these things right! (This seemingly paradoxical statement is very important).

You may be encouraged to lie on the floor for a while each day. (Generally my older pupils are daunted by this one and, if so, I encourage them to use their beds instead).

You would be well advised to have your lessons close together. The closer together they are, the more you will get out of them.

Asking how many lessons you need is like asking: “how long is a piece of string?” If you were impressed by your first lesson, I would recommend you start with six lessons and see how you go.

You remain fully clothed. Usually, I ask my pupils to take their shoes off.

Different teachers will teach slightly differently. While this is healthy, there are good reasons for everything I have said here. When you find differences it is worth asking why.

Choosing your Alexander Teacher

It is important to choose a properly qualified teacher. A qualified Alexander Teacher has completed a three-year full-time training on an approved training course. See my find a teacher page to locate your nearest Alexander teacher.

Make sure you also read my other page about having Alexander lessons.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me

If you live in the UK, start here.
Otherwise, start here.

Come back soon and read some more.