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In
August, we were honored to have a visit from renowned Alexander Technique teachers, Joan and Alexander Murray.
Joan and Alex are the directors of the Alexander Technique Center Urbana and have both been teaching the technique for over 50 years. The Murrays are known for their developmental approach to the technique which was inspired by their collaboration with the eminent anthropologist and anatomist Raymond Dart.
Also a renowned flutist, Alex was in DC to receive the National Flute Association’s
Lifetime Achievement Award
at the Association's annual convention.
Joan spent a day working with teacher Marian Goldberg and teacher-trainee Tulin Atakoglu at the Washington AT Center (top photo). Tulin and Marian also attended Alex’s fascinating presentation on the Alexander Technique for flutists at the convention (bottom photos).
Both age 86, the Murrays continue to teach the technique full-time. With their natural ease and flexibility of movement and effortless “uprightness,” (see above photos of Alex) not to mention their continuing enthusiasm for learning and change, they are inspiring examples of the benefits of a lifetime practice of the Alexander Technique.
Alex has also written a groundbreaking new book on F. M. Alexander's development of his technique,
Alexander's Way,
available from
Seattle Book Company.
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You may have heard of "text neck," a term for the strain people can put on their necks when they pull their heads down to look at their smart phones. As seen in the top photo of a little girl with a phone, this kind of "pulling on the neck" habit can start very early in life. As with any tension habit, this "pulling the head down" habit can stay with us our whole lives unless we learn to move our bodies more naturally and efficiently.
It's unnecessary to pull on our necks to look at the phone. It's easy and not at all stressful when we just look down with our eyes (bottom photo).
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For the fall, two series of private Alexander Technique lessons with Marian Goldberg are being offered at special rates:
- Five 1/2 hour lessons at a special discounted rate of $265. (Standard rate is $325 for five lessons or $65 per lesson.)
- Three 40 to 50 minute lessons for $195. (Standard rate is $255 for three lessons or $85 per lesson.)
These series of lessons are for:
- people who have not taken a course of thirty lessons but would like to experience the change and improvements that come with a more in-depth experience of the Alexander Technique.
- those who have previously taken a course of lessons and would like to have an Alexander Technique refresher.
The series of five half-hour lessons must be completed within five weeks of purchase and by November 30. The series of three lessons needs to be completed within three weeks of purchase and by November 15. Payment for a full series is due at the first lesson. 24-hour notice is required to reschedule. The total number of lessons that may be rescheduled is limited to two. Each of these two lessons may be rescheduled one time.
To schedule a series or for more information, phone 703-821-2920 or e-mail
alexandercenter@gmx.com
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Back when F. M. Alexander was teaching his technique, people would often take half-hour Alexander lessons five days a week (per F. M. Alexander's requirement). This worked very well, as having private lessons on a daily basis provides for more in-depth and rapid learning and improvement. This is still the most beneficial and efficient way to learn the Alexander Technique. Following on this tradition, a special one-week daily intensive is being offered this October:
- Five 1/2 hour lessons with teacher Marian Goldberg over the course of six days at a special discounted rate of $255. (Standard rate is $325 for five lessons or $65 per lesson.) Dates: October 27 - November 1.
All lessons in the series need to be scheduled by October 25. Payment for the full series is due at the first lesson. One lesson of the series only may be rescheduled (with 24-hour notice).
Slots are very limited for this intensive. To schedule a series or for more information, phone 703-821-2920 or e-mail
alexandercenter@gmx.com
.
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Alexander Technique Center of Washington
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