Alexander Technique Class Experience

by Eric Gregory Nickerson, CMPI Cello Fellow

This past semester, I had the privilege of taking Alexander Technique lessons at the Music Institute of Chicago. At the request of my private lesson teacher, I attended 8 straight weeks of classes led by a licensed specialist.

The Alexander Technique is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The philosophy is based on doing the same everyday actions, such as playing the cello, but with less effort. Through the 8 weeks, you learn how to do everything again: walking, sitting up, laying down, and sitting down, but with less effort.

Alexander Technique comes from an Australian actor named Frederick Matthias Alexander. Alexander, born on 20 January 1869, started to experience chronic laryngitis whenever he sang. His doctors and therapist had no answers for his condition, which led him to find a solution by himself. He became aware of tension in his neck and other places in his body when he sang. He started to develop new ways to sing and move without so much tension, and the Alexander Technique was born. For the rest of his life, Alexander continued to teach his philosophy until his death in 1955. Today, Alexander Technique is carried on by the original students of Alexander and those who came after.

Like many others who took this class, I was in a similar position as Alexander. I was a cellist who had pain all the time while playing. For a period over a year, there wasn’t a time I didn’t play with pain in some capacity. The breaking point came at the beginning of this season when I was the closest I’ve ever been to having a serious injury. I had to seriously limit my practice time to prevent further damage.

My private lessons teacher referred me to Alexander Technique classes, and from the beginning I have played with no pain. Not only have I played without pain, but due to having less tension, I can practice more effectively. What I’ve learned from the class has freed me from pain and unlocked new doors full of possibilities in my cello playing. When tension arises any time throughout the day, I now can identify and eliminate it without it growing. My overall quality of life has greatly improved.

I recommend anyone who is looking to navigate life with more ease to take Alexander Technique classes – not just musicians. Alexander Technique has made strides in my life, and I hope it will for you, too.