Alexander Technique + Voice Lessons
Because F.M. Alexander developed his holistic method in order to cure his voice issues, it is extremely beneficial for all voice users.
One of the most essential components of the Alexander Technique is that of the Primary Control which consists of the head, neck, and back. The neck is directed to be free so that the head can go forward and up and the back can lengthen and widen.
Because F.M. Alexander developed his holistic method in order to cure his voice issues, it is extremely beneficial for all voice users.
One of the most essential components of the Alexander Technique is that of the Primary Control which consists of the head, neck, and back. The neck is directed to be free so that the head can go forward and up and the back can lengthen and widen.
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Did you know?
The average head weighs 11 pounds when it is balanced where it connects to the spine (this place is right between your ears). However, when the head is held only 15 degrees angled forward, it then feels like 27 pounds, at 30 degrees it feels like 40 pounds, 60 degrees it becomes 60 pounds. That Is nearly 50 excess pounds of strain on the muscles, bones, ligaments, etc. When the head is misaligned it puts pressure on the muscles of the neck which in turn strains the vocal mechanism of the larynx. Think of how often you are putting excess strain on your system because of the angle of your head. With modern inventions such as smart phones, this misalignment has become a problem, especially for voice users. |
The Cure
The cure is not to place your head in an aligned position and hold it there, as much as this is a temptation. This will cause the muscles and tissues to lock in position, which is no better than the original problem. The cure, instead, is to look at the habits we have that cause us to add excess tension and misalignment, and retrain our systems to do these things differently, in a manner that is putting as little excess strain on the system as possible. This will allow the head and neck to move about freely which in turn will allow more freedom and ease in the larynx for voice users.
In addition to relief from excess strain in the larynx, the Alexander Technique aids in singing by helping reestablish the correct way to breathe by working extending the freedom of the head + neck to the torso, arms, and legs.
The most unique aspect of the instrument of the voice is that it is your body. Therefore everything we do, everything we think, and everything we feel is evident in the voice. Retraining and reestablishing alignment, posture, and healthy habits by way of the Alexander Technique, is the most effective, long lasting way to a free and healthy voice.
The cure is not to place your head in an aligned position and hold it there, as much as this is a temptation. This will cause the muscles and tissues to lock in position, which is no better than the original problem. The cure, instead, is to look at the habits we have that cause us to add excess tension and misalignment, and retrain our systems to do these things differently, in a manner that is putting as little excess strain on the system as possible. This will allow the head and neck to move about freely which in turn will allow more freedom and ease in the larynx for voice users.
In addition to relief from excess strain in the larynx, the Alexander Technique aids in singing by helping reestablish the correct way to breathe by working extending the freedom of the head + neck to the torso, arms, and legs.
The most unique aspect of the instrument of the voice is that it is your body. Therefore everything we do, everything we think, and everything we feel is evident in the voice. Retraining and reestablishing alignment, posture, and healthy habits by way of the Alexander Technique, is the most effective, long lasting way to a free and healthy voice.
“You translate everything-whether physical, mental, or spiritual into muscular tension.”
F.M. Alexander
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In my life…
I was struggling with issues of vocal fatigue, to the point where I was losing some ability to phonate after an hour or two of singing. When I learned how Alexander had cured himself of similar vocal problems, I was extremely interested. I have found that this journey, one of good use or of better use of myself, is challenging but rewarding. It is most assuredly not something you can learn and master in a week or two. It is fundamental shift in how we live our lives in every moment of every day but it is by far one of the most rewarding endeavors I have had the opportunity to chance upon. Should you be open to it, you will walk out of your first lesson with a glimpse of the freedom and ease that is possible. You have to open the door, a teacher and the Alexander Technique may provide the key, but it is up to you to do the work of opening that door and making conscious choices every day. The good news is that if you “stop doing the wrong thing, the right thing does itself.” (F.M. Alexander) |