F. M. Alexander
F.M. Alexander
Frederick Matthias Alexander (eventually known to friends and followers as F. M.) was born at Table Cape, northwestern Tasmania – then one of the remotest corners of the British Empire – on January 20, 1869. He died quite suddenly in England on October 10, 1955, while lying in bed at Carlisle Mansions chatting. He lived and taught mainly in London from 1904 until the end of his life.
FM Alexander developed an early interest in the theater and by his 20s was quite well-known as a performer, often receiving rave reviews. Just as his career as a reciter and actor began to blossom he found himself afflicted by a strange hoarseness whenever he started to recite. Doctors were unable to resolve his problems and, with his career under threat, he took matters into his own hands, believing that something he was "doing" was causing his difficulties.
Starting in 1892 he began observing himself in mirrors and he worked out that his problem arose from habitual "misuse" in the relationship of the head, neck and back. Gradually, he evolved a practical method of overcoming the problem which, over time, became known as the Alexander Technique.
The consistent and dramatic improvement in the performance and health of students using his technique earned him international acclaim. Today the Alexander Technique is taught in over 40 countries and is compulsory in leading performance arts institutions.
Alexander's four books received high praise from leaders in medicine, science, sport and the dramatic arts. His third book, "Use of the Self" outlines the steps he took as he formed the foundation of his technique.
He is considered by many a genius well ahead of his time. For more information on the trials and tribulations of his life Wikipedia provides an extensive online resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._Matthias_Alexander.
FM Alexander developed an early interest in the theater and by his 20s was quite well-known as a performer, often receiving rave reviews. Just as his career as a reciter and actor began to blossom he found himself afflicted by a strange hoarseness whenever he started to recite. Doctors were unable to resolve his problems and, with his career under threat, he took matters into his own hands, believing that something he was "doing" was causing his difficulties.
Starting in 1892 he began observing himself in mirrors and he worked out that his problem arose from habitual "misuse" in the relationship of the head, neck and back. Gradually, he evolved a practical method of overcoming the problem which, over time, became known as the Alexander Technique.
The consistent and dramatic improvement in the performance and health of students using his technique earned him international acclaim. Today the Alexander Technique is taught in over 40 countries and is compulsory in leading performance arts institutions.
Alexander's four books received high praise from leaders in medicine, science, sport and the dramatic arts. His third book, "Use of the Self" outlines the steps he took as he formed the foundation of his technique.
He is considered by many a genius well ahead of his time. For more information on the trials and tribulations of his life Wikipedia provides an extensive online resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._Matthias_Alexander.