If you’re reading this, you’re probably a musician who is doing all of the things.
Touring, recording, teaching, performing, auditioning, social-media-ing.
You are probably doing all of these things at a super high level, too.
(even though you’re constantly seeking ways to get better and push the boundaries of what’s possible for you as a player.)
The only problem is, functioning at this high of a level is kind of, um, exhausting.
And you often find yourself lying prone on your couch at night mindlessly swiping through social media or starting blankly at the wall in your hotel room, in hopes of feeling less…
…Like you got hit by a truck? Slightly dead inside? Or just plain tired and worn-out?
Because we’re literally trained to be excellent at executing and performing and showing up (even when we are tired, sick, depressed, etc),
figuring out how to sustain ourselves and manage our energy while also making all the plates spin can be really tricky.
Even when things are going great in your career, it’s very easy to become run-down from the musician lifestyle… and this takes a toll on your body and your playing over time.
This is why it’s so important for musicians to find tools and practices
that help them navigate the very real challenges that are part of having a successful career.
Studying the Alexander Technique can help you hone your edge.
In case you’re not familiar with it, the Alexander Technique is a mind-body practice that gives you concrete, actionable tools to help you become hyper-aware of how you coordinate your physical movement AND how your direct your attention.
When you study the Alexander Technique, you’ll learn simple tools and strategies to help you eliminate excess tension, manage stress and high-pressure situations, and keep your body feeling 100% (even with a crazy, erratic schedule). Your body will feel way better, your energy levels will improve, and your playing will sound better.
And things have changed in how we teach Alexander Technique these days.
If you took a class in music school or have done some research on YouTube, you may have gotten the impression that the Alexander Technique is difficult to understand, boring, and more than a little weird.
Which is a shame because this work can be really powerful.
Alexander Technique is simple, effective, and you’ll look good doing it.
(well…at least when you work with us).
Because of how we teach…
How We Explain Stuff
One of the things we are most proud of is when a new client tells us “wow, I actually understand this and how it applies to my playing.” Depending on how someone teaches, the Alexander Technique can sometimes seem confusing and convoluted– no thank you!
Our goal is to explain this work in simple, concrete terms and to break down large concepts into digestible chunks so that you can apply what you learn and reap the benefits from Day 1.
what guides our work
YOUR GOALS AND DESIRES are the starting point for our work together. We don’t have a one-size-fits all container. Instead, we listen to what you want for yourself and your playing, and try to figure out the most efficient route of helping you get there.
This means that oftentimes we’re working with you at your instrument, although we might do some work away from your instrument to help you understand and apply a new concept.
how we communicate
While we think that the Alexander Technique is great and that lots of people can benefit from this work, we get that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea and we don’t try to insist otherwise.
Similarly, if we don’t think that we can help you, we’ll tell you!
(And will likely recommend some other modalities/practices that might be a better fit for your needs!)
And because you know who you are…
You’re “successful,” but you want more for yourself.
Even though you’re “successful” in your career, you constantly seek new ways to grow as a player and as an artist.
You understand that great playing isn’t just technique.
In your own playing, you’ve observed that progress and improvement is not always linear and that technical study is just one piece of the equation in becoming a great player.
You’re a great practicer.
There are tons of benefits to studying the Alexander Technique, but it’s not a magical quick-fix (lol that literally doesn’t exist in creative work). You definitely do need to set aside 10-30 minutes each day to implement some of the strategies and tools you learn in our sessions.