F.M. Alexander

F.M. Alexander F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an actor whose promising career was threatened by vocal hoarseness, a condition which doctors were unable to diagnose. As there was no clear medical cause for his problem, Alexander took the unusual step of attempting to discover if he might be causing his problem by his manner of performing.

Through a lengthy process of self-observation and experimentation, Alexander saw that the effective functioning of his voice depended on the correct relationship between his head, neck and back. By consciously inhibiting the habitual misuse that caused his problem in the first place, Alexander was able to maintain this relationship and prevent the unnecessary tension and stress during his performance. He also found that his, previously poor, general health improved dramatically.

In 1904, Alexander traveled to London and within a few years he had established a large and successful practice, teaching many celebrated actors of the day such as Lily Langtree, Matheson Lang and the politician Stafford Cripps. His work continued to receive admiration and support from writers such as Aldous Huxley and George Bernard Shaw, both of whom had lessons with him. He also enjoyed support from the American educational philosopher John Dewey, one of his most ardent advocates of the Technique.

The Alexander Technique is learned not so much through explanation but more through hands-on guidance of an Alexander Teacher. This process establishes a gradual and progressive learning of the Technique and the re-learning of the natural, inherent, good use that most of us had in early childhood.

Alexander suffered a severe stroke after a fall in 1947 and was not expected to recover, but within a year he had returned to teaching, which he continued to do until two weeks before his death at the age of 86.

“Stop doing the wrong thing and the right thing takes care of itself”
- F.M. Alexander