Spring/Summer Newsletter
The Performing Self
The Alexander Technique in Performing Arts Education
In this engaging video, Alexander Technique teachers and students at the Royal College of Music, the Actors Centre, and other performing arts schools describe how the Alexander Technique assists and frees the creative process. Video
Late Spring and Summer Intensives
Marian's Intensives have been pivotal weeks in my understanding and practice of Alexander Technique. While I've been enjoying all the benefit that come with weekly lessons, I've made exponential progress during the Intensives. The experience of daily lessons is so transformative, I do whatever I can to participate in the Intensives every time they are offered.
– Aaron Goldman
Principal Flute
National Symphony Orchestra

Often the New Year begins with a gym membership and attendance for several months that peters out. I chose a different route this year and invested in 5 daily lessons over a 7 day period. I gifted myself a new body in a short time; it moves more naturally and freer and I feel full of energy. I relished the week and have invested in a second to consolidate and advance. I have taken about 20 years of Alexander lessons and I have never changed so quickly. Thanks Marian for this opportunity.
–Gwynn Sturdevant, Ph.D.

FM Alexander teaching a child. Photograph of F. M. Alexander © 2016, The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, London
Alexander Technique lesson
Back when F. M. Alexander was teaching his technique, people would usually take half-hour Alexander Technique lessons five days a week (per F. M. Alexander's requirement). This worked well, as daily, private lessons provide 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, Marian Goldberg is offering special daily intensives this spring and summer:

Five-Lesson Intensives
Five 1/2 hour lessons over the course of six days
Fee: $265

  • May 23 - May 28
  • June 20 - June 25
  • June 27 - July 2
  • July 4 - July 9
  • July 11 - July 16
  • July 18 - July 23
  • July 25 - July 30
  • August 1 - August 6
  • August 8 - August 13

Ten-lesson Intensives 
Ten 1/2 hour lessons over the course of two weeks
Fee: $520

  • June 20 - July 2
  • July 4 - July 16
  • July 18 - July 30
  • August 1 - August 13
15-lesson Intensives
15 1/2 hour lessons over the course of three weeks
Fee: $765
  • June 20 - July 9
  • July 11 - July 30
  • August 1 - August 20
20-lesson Intensives
20 1/2 hour lessons over four weeks
Fee: $995
  • June 27 - July 23
  • July 25 - August 20

Payment for a full series is due at the first lesson. All lessons for an intensive series are scheduled before starting the intensive. No more than one lesson per week of a series may be rescheduled (with 24-hour advance notice). 
 
Space is very limited for intensives. To schedule a series or for more information, phone Marian, 703-821-2920 or e-mail info@alexandercenter.com.
F. M. Alexander's Books

Before starting a course of lessons, F. M. Alexander required his students to read at least one of the four books he wrote about his technique. Marjory Barlow, Alexander’s niece and a graduate of his first teacher training, relates an amusing anecdote about this required reading:

“Before the war I had a pupil who was home on leave from Army service in India. He had a course of lessons and went back to his unit. Two or more years later he returned to London for a refresher course of lessons. I congratulated him on the change in himself he brought about. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘I have been working hard. One thing has helped me more than anything else. I keep Alexander's books on my bedside table and read a chapter every night.’

The following day I told [F. M.] Alexander this story while we were having a training class. He was silent for a long moment and then said thoughtfully, ‘Yes, and I would be a better man if I did the same.’”

From “The Teaching of F. Matthias Alexander” (1965)
The Annual F. M. Alexander Memorial Lecture

More information on Alexander's writings is available at the Center's website: F. M. Alexander's Books
Spring Lesson Series 
This spring, two series of private Alexander Technique lessons with teacher Marian Goldberg are being offered at special rates: 
  • Five 1/2 hour lessons at a special discounted rate of $275. (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 30 lessons but would like to experience the change and improvements that come with an in-depth experience of the Alexander Technique.
  • Those who have previously taken a course of lessons and would like a refresher. 
The series of five half-hour lessons must be completed within five weeks of purchase and by June 30. The series of three lessons needs to be completed within three weeks of purchase and by June 30. Payment for a full series is due at the first lesson. Rescheduling requires 24-hour advance notice. The total number of lessons that may be rescheduled is limited to one. 
 
To schedule a series or for more information, phone 703-821-2920 or e-mail info@alexandercenter.com .
Golf and the Alexander Technique 
With the lovely spring weather, people are spending more time on their favorite outdoor activities. such as golf. Alexander Technique teacher and golf coach Martyn Jones has created a five-step routine to optimize golfing performance and make playing more comfortable for Alexander Technique students. Link to article. Link to video.
 Photographs of F. M. Alexander © 2016, The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, London
Alexander Technique Center of Washington
 www.alexandercenter.com 
 © 2017 Marian Goldberg