| The Alexander Technique helps its adherents improve posture and to use muscles and joints of the body efficiently. F. Mathias Alexander, an Australian actor, developed the technique in the 1890s to deal with difficulties he experienced on stage, such as chronic hoarseness. The technique attracted many followers in subsequent generations, including musicians, who are prone to physical problems due to long rehearsal hours. Elizabeth Valentine and others have sufficiently shown the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique for musicians through clinical studies. The focus of this document is more practical in nature. It consists of three case studies of individual cello students who struggle with specific problems to examine the results of practical solutions drawn from the principles of the Alexander Technique. Within five concurrent lessons, each student demonstrated consistent improvement in their problem areas. These case studies provide a basic introduction to this method and can help applied music teachers see the benefits of applying the Alexander Technique in the studio. |
