SELF-CARE FOR PERFORMERS AND MUSICIANS
Why do musicians and performers study the Technique?
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To address and prevent
performance anxiety
discomfort during long hours of sitting and practicing
discomfort from old injuries
muscle strain
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Goals often include...
prevention of injuries
freer breathing
alleviating tension
improved concentration
changing counterproductive habits
returning to playing after an injury
increased stamina
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Regarding Stage Fright/Performance Anxiety
A study comparing professional musicians who used medication to control stage fright and ones who took a series of Alexander lessons found that:
musicians using the medication reported feeling "removed" from their performance, which placed limits on expressive playing
musicians studying Alexander Technique were calmer and still "present" for the performance. They also enjoyed using their newly developed flexibility in difficult technical passages.
Thus the technique can help stage fright without damping a performer's enthusiasm for interpretation.
Freeing the Breath and Developing Vocal Support
Breathing and vocal support are intertwined: By understanding how they can act in a mutually supportive and synergistic way, students are more at ease in:
performing
public speaking
any stressful situation where you need to use your voice
Accessing free breathing is a great stress buffer as well.
While it may surprise you that each of these is tied to your movement pattern, that understanding will enable you to make positive changes much more easily.
