Alexander's Story

F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was a Shakespearean actor on the verge of having a very successful career as a recitalist when he started becoming hoarse and losing his voice half-way through his programs. His doctor examined his throat and could find nothing that would explain why this was happening. Alexander reasoned that it might be something he was doing during his recitation. 

Through years of careful self-observation and experimentation using a 3-way mirror, he discovered the crucial relationship of the head, neck and torso.

As he was able to stop pulling his head back and down and instead directed his head to release forward and up, he observed that his back lengthened and widened, his breathing became deeper and smoother, and his voice became strong, resonant, and healthy. 

Alexander eventually went on to train others in his technique, which he called Respiratory Re-education. From the core group of students he trained to teach others, the Alexander Technique has expanded and now there are teachers and training courses all over the world.