Beginners

Information for new students

What is the Alexander Technique?

FM Alexander was an Australian actor born in 1869. He found he was having problems with his voice, and neither medical treatment nor help from a vocal coach made any difference. He therefore concluded that the problem was something he was doing to himself and started to investigate.

His work has left us with principles, ideas and thoughts that we can play with to help us go about our daily lives more easily. If you walk, talk, do the dishes, sit and read, write, use a computer, play a sport or musical instrument, sing, or perform any other activity, and would like to explore how to do them with more ease and less effort, then the ITM approach to Mr. Alexander’s work is a great way to get started.

What is the Interactive Teaching Method?

The Interactive Teaching Method (ITM) was formed in 1993 by Don Weed.  The ITM is a network of qualified teachers with an enjoyable and unique approach to the teaching of the work of Mr F.M. Alexander.

For further information about ITM, the annual residential summer workshops in Germany, Ireland and the UK, or to find locations and contact details of our teaching colleagues in other parts of the UK, Europe, US and Canada, please visit www.itmalexandertechnique.org.

What happens in a lesson?

ITM lessons usually take place in a small group.

Mr. Alexander, in seeking to solve his voice problems, observed himself in a series of mirrors, trying to identify changes. It’s much easier for other people to notice changes in us, so we usually work with a small group of people who can act as our mirrors.

Also, we find that having the opportunity to engage in conversation with others as we explore new ideas means that we have more fun as we learn. And as one person learns through their teaching interaction, so do we all.

In any one group lesson, we may find a whole range of activities. This is because we believe it’s important to work on issues that are important to our students. Someone may play an instrument, or walk, or stand up and sit down. Whatever has your interest is the activity we usually explore. You may want to do something better, or to do it with less discomfort or effort and with greater ease.

Teachers will observe, ask questions and use a gentle hands-on approach to explore and question the ideas that a student brings to activity.

There is no need for special equipment or clothing. It’s a good idea to let your teacher know if you have any particular health challenges so they can take these into account.

You will find any one-off events or group courses on offer on the events page. Courses are typically held for one evening per week over 6-10 weeks in order to give a good introduction to Alexander’s work. If there isn’t a course that suits you, you might consider bringing together a few people to join you so that you benefit fully from the group experience. Individual lessons may be available upon request.

How can I get started?

Check our events page, or, if you are not local to us, the ITM events page, and see if there is a one-off session or a group course you would be interested in joining.

Contact any of our teachers if you have any questions for us.

If you are nervous about trying a new activity, or meeting new people, it may help to read Diana’s first experience of the ITM Alexander Technique.

Whatever your situation, your interest and your questions, we would be delighted to hear from you.