Alexander Technique for Daily Function (MUSI10215)

This subject empowers students to make conscious changes to unconscious patterns of physical tension caused by stress, everyday life events and performance habits that are unhelpful to them and to their artistic practice as singers, actors, musicians and dancers. Alexander Technique was developed to promote freedom and ease in movement and can provide relief of pain, playing an important role in injury rehabilitation and prevention as new, more effective patterns of movement are learned and integrated into daily life and arts practice. Fundamental to alignment and balance, Alexander Technique has long been recognised for its benefits to actors, singers, musicians and dancers, preventing injury and developing physical, emotional and vocal freedom. Students will participate in various individual and group activities providing a practical context to learn the basic concepts and applied procedures involved in the Alexander Technique. The fundamental skills and understanding developed through this subject will be able to be applied by the student in daily life and in their artistic practice as performers. This unit introduces the skills and knowledge required to improve postural support, balance, movement and breathing in daily life and function. This will develop awareness of habitual patterns of tension and provide foundation embodied knowledge that can be further developed in the Level 2 subject, Alexander Technique for Performance. The practical work will be supported by reading materials that expound the theory, its history and procedures.