The fundamental purpose of the course is to learn the Alexander Technique in an atmosphere of enjoyment and exploration to such an extent that you are able to teach the technique to others which is a hugely enriching and rewarding experience. If is also possible to join the course for a day, a week or a term if you do not want to teach, but just want to learn for your own personal benefit.
The aim of the directors is to make this course the best in Europe and as a result we have the most experienced and enjoyable teachers available from around the world. As a result many different nationalities are attracted to study here including: Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, UK, and USA.
As well as learning the fundamental principles of the Technique such as awareness, choice and freedom of movement you will learn practical anatomy (not at all boring!!), voice work, and how to improve breathing naturally. Throughout the course there will be an interesting discussion each week using Alexander’s four books to spark off various topics. Many musicians and performers are attracted to this course because of the dynamic and lively atmosphere. There is nothing dull or boring about learning the Technique.
- During the first year of the training the core-work is primarily devoted to learning how to improve self-awareness and 'use' of the body as a whole. It involves a process of change and individual development, which builds the foundation for the use of your hands and your interaction with others in teaching. You will start to learn how to 'put hands on' with other participants on the course in the later part of the year, but this year you will receive more than you will give. This year you will study the fundamental principles of the Technique in depth.
- In the second year, as you begin to be more aware of the way you move think and behave there will be more emphasis on the hands-on by working with your fellow students. You will learn how to use your hands to help release tension in other people. You will also build up your practical knowledge about ailments that pupils commonly present (e.g. back-pain, RSI, asthma, arthritis etc).
- In the third year you will progress from practicing on fellow students to supervised and eventually unsupervised practice on members of the public. You will also draw on case study material. The continuing self-improvement, knowledge, skills and individual expression developed in the first two years are enhanced by being put into practice. The main aim for the last year is to refine your practical skills and build confidence in your ability to teach the Technique. You will also learn how to read an MRI report and now-a-days more and more pupils are expecting help interpreting their medical report.
Throughout the course the students receive lessons in anatomy and physiology. The study of Alexander's four books will be a major part of the whole three years. Other books on the technique and related subjects will also be studied and discussed. Interaction between the individuals in the group is also used as a preparation for presenting and speaking about the Technique in one's own individual style, with confidence and openness. Students will gain awareness of the possible emotional effects of Alexander work, and how to deal with them. The student's progress is assessed in an on-going way, both practically and by means of some written work.
Specific Content of the Curriculum
A large part of the course consists of practical Alexander-work. This work aims for a continuous development of the understanding of and feeling for the different principles of the Alexander Technique, even after completing the course. The most common elements of an Alexander lesson are covered, namely: observation of oneself and others during standing, sitting, walking, bending, constructive lying down (semi-supine) and breathing. We will also examine our use while performing a whole range of everyday activities such as eating, drinking, speaking, writing, washing-up, etc.
These principles are the building blocks on which the technique is founded. It is therefore of fundamental importance that each student realized that they are not only learning how to improve physical co-ordination, but a calming of the mind and emotions takes place as well. A student's development will be under direct guidance by experienced teachers in small groups with a ratio of one teacher to five students. The rest of the time the students of different years are together so that they can exchange their experiences.
Weekly Course Content
During each week each student has:
• Individual short lessons every day • Two to three sessions of ‘hands-on’ groups per week • Some form of directed "daily-activity" or established "procedure" E.g. chairwork, tablework, whispered 'ah', standing, walking, waiting, sitting, squatting, and lying down etc. • A lecture/discussion period every week, covering Alexander's books or related literature, • Practical anatomy and physiology sessions.
Students will be shown how to be aware of their habits themselves both during course hours and outside of course hours, and they have access to a growing library of relevant books, articles and videos.
Visting Teachers
Every term there will be visiting teachers from other countries including the UK, Europe, USA or Australia to help on the training course and give their own unique way of presenting the training course. Many of these teachers are among the most experienced in the world. Previous visiting teachers include Harriet Anderson, David Bainbridge, Glenna Batson, Alan Capel, Jeremy Chance, Barbara Conable, Deirdre Crean, Diane Gaary, David Gorman, Trish Hemmingway, Anne Johnson, Vivien Mackie, Melissa Matson, Alan Mars, Jennifer Mizenko, Gabriela Oprotkowitz, Giora Pinkas, Alice Pryor, Rosa Luisa Rossi, Refia Sacks, Tommy Thompson, Azize Sterling, and Elisabeth Walker.
Course Hours and Term Dates
The training course consists of a total of 1600 hours, over ten terms. Course hours are as follows: 2:30pm till 6:30pm on Tuesday 9.30am till 4pm on Wednesday 9.30am till 1.30pm on Thursday 9.00am till 11am on Friday
Approximate term dates Autumn Term - mid Sept to mid Dec Winter Term - mid Jan - mid March Summer Tem- mid April – end of June
There is a week's half-term break each term.
In addition to the above hours, all students will spend a minimum total of ten days working with the public, whilst under supervision, in a residential course setting.
Students can expect to spend additional time engaged in personal study.
Course Fees
The fees for the course are 1950 Euro a term which is payable on the last day of the previous term. A 600 Euro deposit is payable when accepted onto the course. The balance to be paid on the first day.