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50 Hortense St
Glen Iris, VIC, 3146
Australia
0490 126 293
Practice of Jeremy Woolhouse, pianist and Alexander Technique Teacher in Melbourne, Australia
Specialist in working with musicians, RSI, posture re-education, neck, back and chronic pain management.
Monthly blog articles by Jeremy Woolhouse. Alexander Technique for daily life, music performance, specialised activities, pain relief and management.
Filtering by Tag: tension
Taking the time to tune your instrument is always worthwhile, and balancing the instrument’s components to suit the current environment and create the desired sound is quite an art. Alexander Technique considers one’s whole being to be the instrument for performance. Taking the time to make our whole selves in-tune with the current environment enhances any activity.
Read MoreOne of the core principles of Alexander Technique is the inseparability of body and mind. Although the Technique is often associated with ‘physical’ improvements in posture and movement, these benefits are initiated through a change in thinking. The practice of constructive thinking empowers the student in sustaining positive physical and mental attitudes.
Read MoreIf you experience pain when playing piano, your body is telling you that you are at risk of injuring yourself. Piano technique is not inherently painful. Even a mild discomfort is an indication that you can improve on piano technique; whether this may be the specific movement of fingers on the keys, the balance of the whole body to support your hands, or a combination of both.
Read MoreVideo: This tensegrity toy can teach us about some principles of human movement and coordination. We use these principles in the learning and practice of Alexander Technique.
Read MoreIn early Alexander Technique lessons, students are sometime frustrated to suddenly realise they persistently use excess tension or scrunch themselves up in daily activities. Upon hearing this, I offer my congratulations. It is a significant step forward as it indicates the student has acquired recognition, a positive step in making change. To discover you are wrong is to have learnt something.
Read MoreMusicians and computer users are at the top of the list for Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).
Alexander Technique’s unique approaches make it a powerful tool in prevention and management of RSI symptoms. poise and action in accord with Alexander Technique principles promotes long term resolution of underlying causes of strain.
Inevitably, students of Alexander Technique become aware of previously unrecognised habitual tensions. When interference with easeful movement or balance of tone is recognised, change for the better can be initiated. It may be tempting to perceive practice of Alexander Technique as based on looking for excess tension, then removing it. This potentially limiting view calls for an evaluation of process in using The Technique.
Read MoreFor most of us, concentration is associated with tightening. When we see someone working and tightening - especially in the face - we may perceive this as concentration. It has been proposed that every thought leads to muscular action, but there is no prerequisite for this to manifest in a way which contradicts ease.
Read MoreAlexander Technique process is centred around thought. Whilst we are asleep, most of us have no conscious voluntary thought, so the way Alexander Technique might influence the quality of sleep is indirect. Many students comment on improvements in sleep associated with lessons, so it is worthwhile considering just how we can change sleep habits.
Read MoreThere is a wonderful book by Pedro DeAlcantara called Indirect Procedures. The title epitomises both the main challenge students have with Alexander Technique, and the profound solution it proposes. I present here an example of a problem, and the unexpected principles which lead to its resolution
Read MoreOne of the most common symptoms of the digital era is Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI. Also known as Occupational Overuse Syndrome it includes ailments such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel, gamers thumb and tennis elbow. Alexander Technique presents a unique approach to resolving symptoms and goes further than any other modality or intervention to remove the underlying causes.
Read MoreThis article attempts to de-stigmatise tension and present muscle contraction in a healthy framework. Also challenge the virtues of relaxation as a remedy. An article of interest to those faced with RSI symptoms, or anyone whose work puts them at risk of “overuse”. For instance, anyone using a computer!
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