The Alexander Technique
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the course is to develop awareness of unconscious habits in a student’s musical performance and as well as in everyday life that keep them from reaching their full potential.
The study of the AT will help the student:
- Recognize and change the harmful patterns of movement and thought
- Release excess tension, stiffness and discomfort
- Restore natural balance , poise and ease
- Improve posture and coordination
- Reduce performance anxiety and stress related conditions
- Overcome and prevent injuries
- Achieve greater clarity of perception
- Become more aware of themselves: physically, mentally and emotionally
- Enhance freedom and stage presence and find greater vitality and confidence in their performance
- Improve instrumental and vocal technique
COURSE CONTENT
The curriculum includes:
- Main principles and concepts of the AT such as; Inhibition, Direction, The Primary Control, Faulty Sensory Perception, End- gaining and others.
- Basic procedures : Constructive Rest, Chair work, Monkey, The Whispered ‘Ah’, Hands on the Back of a Chair.
- Better understanding of the body’s functioning as a psychophysical entity (Body – Mind – Emotion)
- Basic anatomy and Body mapping and applying them to your own movement choices
- Thinking in activity / Dynamic energy in life and the stimulating effect of gravity
- Breath awareness and understanding the nature of reflex breathing
- Good use of visual mechanism
- Kinesthetic sense and Proprioception
- Developing optimal strategies for improving practice and performance
TEACHING METHOD
The classes are conducted in small groups (6 – 8 persons) allowing students to address their individual needs and concerns.Through observation and experimentation students will find the best solution to improve their use ( Body & Mind ) and solve problems. Using simple activities, games and hands- on guidance students will explore and discover a new way of moving, breathing and performing all tasks with greater ease and efficiency. Creative approach and working in small groups enables students to get different perspectives, and topics proposed by participants can lead to an exciting and open dialogue.
The Alexander Technique course is offered only in the Fall semester and students receive 1 ECTS.
For more information (time/ dates/ group placements) please check www.dorotaorczyk.pl or contact Dorota Orczyk at:
Email: dorota.orczyk@amuz.krakow.pl