What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a re-education of habitual physical responses, affecting the inner and outer condition of the body. It was developed by F. Matthias Alexander, from 1890, and is now taught and practised worldwide. The aim is to improve the condition of the mind and body in order to gain increased freedom of movement and coordination.
How can this be applied to the piano?
Nelly Ben-Or is internationally acknowledged as being the leading exponent of the application of the Alexander Technique to piano playing, becoming the first professional pianist to qualify as a teacher of the Technique in 1963. Through applying the principles of the Alexander Technique to piano playing, Nelly Ben-Or discovered ways to unlock greater freedom in playing, reduce physical tensions associated with playing, and to practise in a more efficient, constructive manner.
Many pianists of all levels find that after a playing for a while, they experience aches in their hands, arms, back, neck and so on. Some people also struggle to create a full, vibrant sound when they play, and instead find their playing sounds ‘superficial’, ‘hard’ or ‘mechanical’. The application of the Alexander Technique to piano playing can help with both of these issues, encouraging efficient playing which leaves the body free from harmful tensions, and can foster a greater connection with the keyboard, to produce a fuller, richer sound.
On a personal note
Having attended several of Nelly Ben-Or’s courses on piano playing with the Alexander Technique over the years, I have seen and experienced first hand the benefits of the Technique in piano playing. My own piano teacher throughout childhood was also influenced by the principles of the Alexander Technique, and had studied with Nelly Ben-Or, so it is unsurprising that my own teaching is influenced by the Alexander Technique.
Although not (yet!) trained to teach the Technique myself, I regularly attend teaching workshops with Nelly Ben-Or, and have found the Technique a great aid both on a personal level and as a piano teacher. The extent of the inclusion of the principles of the Technique in my teaching depends on the wishes of each student, as all my lessons are tailored to the interests and needs of each individual. However the fundamental approach of striving for greater freedom in piano playing underpins all my teaching.
