The Origin and History of Alexander Technique

The origin and history of the Alexander Technique

 

 

The Alexander Technique was developed in the 1890s by Frederick Matthias Alexander, who was born in Tasmania in 1869.

Alexander's promising career as a young actor was threatened by recurring voice problems. He sought the help of doctors, but to no avail. As there was no obvious medical cause for his problem, Alexander thought he might be doing something wrong while reciting, overworking or 'abusing' his vocal organs. 

Alexander worked for a number of years to find a way to learn how to avoid this harmful pattern of abuse, thereby improving his health and his functioning in general. Others began to come to him for help as he improved his vocal use, breathing and stage presence. 

From about 1894 he began to teach what he discovered in Melbourne, and later in Sydney, until teaching became his main occupation. A number of medical practitioners referred their patients to him for treatment. In 1904 he took his technique to London where he established a thriving practice, published four books (link to books) and from the 1930s trained about 80 teachers in his technique. He never returned to his native Tasmania and continued to teach until his death in London in 1955. 

In London, Alexander's reputation grew rapidly.  Recognising that Alexander's practical observations were consistent with scientific discoveries in neurology and physiology, a number of scientists endorsed his method. 

The most important of these was Sir Charles Sherrington, now regarded as the father of modern neurology. Nikolaas Tinbergen, winner of the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiological or Medical Sciences, dedicated a major part of his Nobel lecture to Alexander's work.  

It was important to Alexander that his technique be part of the education of children. In 1924, he founded the "Little School", where children were encouraged to learn and apply the Alexander Principles while studying and doing other activities.. 

In 1931 Alexander opened a formal 3-year teaching programme that ran until his death at 86.

In 1958 the alumni founded the Society of Alexander Training (STAT) to preserve and continue the work according to the standards established by Alexander. People from all over the world came to Britain to train to teach the Technique. Today there are many professional affiliate societies around the world.