Alexander Technique
I offer Alexander Technique lessons in person (Greater Austin area), online, alone or with a group. In addition, I teach classes and workshops. It is my intention that all opportunities are accessible for all members of the community; please be in touch if there are ways I can better meet your needs!
Online Private Lessons via Zoom- 45 minutes
Sliding Scale Fee - $25 - $50
Face to Face Private Lessons - 45 minutes
Sliding Scale Fee - $45 - $75
Weekly Group Online Class
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am CST, beginning February 3, 2021
Sliding Scale Fee - $5 - $20
To schedule a private lesson / register for class, please email rebekahannchappell@gmail.com
Sliding Scale Fee - $25 - $50
Face to Face Private Lessons - 45 minutes
Sliding Scale Fee - $45 - $75
Weekly Group Online Class
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am CST, beginning February 3, 2021
Sliding Scale Fee - $5 - $20
To schedule a private lesson / register for class, please email rebekahannchappell@gmail.com
What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is an educational method created by F.M. Alexander at the turn of the twentieth century. He was an Australian actor who began to consistently lose his voice during performances. With doctors unable to locate a medical cause, F.M. Alexander reasoned that there must be something about the way he was using his voice that was causing his predicament. He noticed that a conditioned performance posture seemed to be at the heart of the issue. He observed that he was interfering with his overall coordination, specifically the relationship between the head and the spine. Over many years, he developed a process to become aware of, interrupt, and undo habitual patterns of use that may be detrimental to one's overall functioning.
Who is the Alexander Technique for?
The Alexander Technique is for everybody; I welcome folx from all backgrounds. I approach this work by honoring the wisdom and intelligence of your whole self. You are the expert of your embodied experience. While I will certainly provide support, students' passions and curiosities will guide the process. Our exchanges are reciprocal and collaborative.
What I love about the Alexander Technique is the ability to apply it to every aspect of my being. For example, I may be washing dishes and start to notice tension in my shoulders. As I continue to wash my dishes, I can apply the Alexander Technique process to organize my whole self in a way that is free from the unnecessary tension. I came to the Alexander Technique because I was experiencing shin pain that no doctors had the answers to. With time this pain has disappeared. That was not the goal of the Alexander Technique and the educational method is not designed to be therapeutic or medicinal. However, because my pain was directly connected to how I was standing and walking, as I addressed these ways of being, I had a different experience of myself and my pain disappeared.
What I love about the Alexander Technique is the ability to apply it to every aspect of my being. For example, I may be washing dishes and start to notice tension in my shoulders. As I continue to wash my dishes, I can apply the Alexander Technique process to organize my whole self in a way that is free from the unnecessary tension. I came to the Alexander Technique because I was experiencing shin pain that no doctors had the answers to. With time this pain has disappeared. That was not the goal of the Alexander Technique and the educational method is not designed to be therapeutic or medicinal. However, because my pain was directly connected to how I was standing and walking, as I addressed these ways of being, I had a different experience of myself and my pain disappeared.
What is involved in an Alexander Technique lesson or workshop?
As a part of the educational method, the Alexander Technique often utilizes a specialized hands-on skill in the teaching. As we are in the midst of a global pandemic, we will explore together if or how the use of touch may be appropriate. Our primary way of learning will be through verbal cues and simple movement explorations.
How did I become an Alexander Technique Teacher?
I hold a certificate to teach the Alexander Technique. I studied at Chesapeake Bay Alexander Studies and completed their teacher training program over a four year period, utilizing a four component plan that resulted in 1200 hours of study. During the course of my training, I studied with CBAS Program Faculty: Robin Gilmore, Sarah Barker, Diana Bradley, Ashley Hyers, Bob Lada, Teresa Lee, William Connable, and Renée Jackson. In addition, I attended winter / summer residential workshops held at Ohio State University, North Carolina School of the Arts and Viterbo University. I am in the process of becoming an Alexander Technique International Teaching Member and I have completed 2/3 Sponsor Evaluations. I am on track to finish the process early in 2021.