Howard wrote:
>I have the opportunity to take a group workshop in the Alexander
>technique for instrumentalists and singers. The benefits seem
>obvious for instrumentalists, but what about singers? How does the
>technique work for them? I also have a bad case of stagefright, so
>I'm
>hoping that this method might be helpful in that area as well. Any
>opinions or thoughts on the A.T. for singers would be greatly
>appreciated!
I would recommend taking the workshop! The benefits of AT for singers are
in increased flexibility (both body and voice) and a deeper understanding
of singing as a whole-body activity. My work in AT has revolutionized my
singing (and continues to do so -- you're never really "done" with AT!) and
changed my perspective on living and learning.
One of the greatest benefits of the AT is the mind set that we're all in
process all the time and that learning is fluid. The application to
singers seems obvious: some days it's easy, some days it's not. The
attitude of starting wherever you're at and building from there, wherever
it may be in any given moment, is enormously beneficial -- and may address
the stage fright issue eventally.
I would like to echo what Lisa Marie said: AT is not a position or a
posture, it's a way of thinking about the body and its work. And it took a
while for me to get a handle on organizing my thoughts in a different way
-- I would encourage you to take some time before you decide if the
Technique works for you; sometimes the benefits are not immediately
apparent. But for me, at least, they have been extremely valuable.
Good question! Feel free to ask for clarification if you want!
Naomi Gurt Lind
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