"For years I've suffered from tight shoulders, and sore neck, hamstrings and knees. Julianne is helping me change my mindset about posture and movement. I'm a keen horse-rider, and we're now applying the Alexander Technique to my posture in the saddle and we've noticed an immediate improvement even in the movements of the horse.
Thank you Julianne for helping me realise one is never too old to change one's way of doing things."
Jaccie
As a musician, the Alexander Technique has transformed how I think and approach my playing. I have completely changed the way I move, sit and stand, hold the instrument, and control my breathing. For years I have been getting muscle aches and pains, and upper limb and shoulder tension leading to soft tissue/tendon injuries when playing for any extended periods of time. This is especially so when feeling nervous during a performance. My body has gone straight into this stressed and tense response, and I have felt as though I have been unable to breathe properly and control the sound.
The Alexander Technique has brought an awareness of the relationship between the cognitive and physical aspects of myself as a musician. What is happening within the body? How does movement and posture impact on breathing and breath control? How can we modify old learned patterns of behaviour and thought processes? How can we utilize that excess energy/tension towards creating a more beautiful sound in performance?
The Alexander technique brings together more positive patterns of movement, posture and breathing. For the musician this self-awareness and understanding of the dynamic relationship between body and mind, helps maximize our creative potential.