Information on Alexander Technique lessons

Newtown, Sydney

Teacher:
Mark Bennie
M.AUSTAT
M.STAT(UK)
BSc(Hons)

Phone:
0400 741 703

Email:
mark@alexander-
technique-sydney.com.au

Address:
1 Gowrie St
Newtown, Sydney

	"It is a good general rule that Nature does not give you something for nothing and that attempts to get the better of this rule usually leave you the poorer. If you want to improve your co-ordination it will repay you to take some time and trouble." [1] Patrick Macdonald, Alexander Technique teacher
What is the cost of an Alexander Technique lessons? The cost of a lesson is $60.00. Lessons are 30 minutes in length and the first lesson includes an additional 15 minute consultation. Lessons are taught one-to-one. Alexander lessons are like driving lessons in that you are learning a skill that you can use and benefit from for the rest of your life. How many lessons do I need? The number depends on you and how far you want to take your learning of the technique. It is like learning to play the piano, you can learn it to the level of a concert pianist or just to play at home. Generally, after 10-15 lessons a person is at the point where they can continue to learn and improve on their own. What times can I book lessons? Lessons can be booked from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday. How often should I take lessons? In learning the Alexander Technique we are up against life-long ingrained habits. In the beginning a course of lessons either weekly or twice weekly is needed to counteract this force of habit. As your co-ordination improves the frequency of lessons can be reduced to once every two weeks or month until stopped. What should I wear for lessons? There are no special clothing requirements for lessons. The Alexander Technique is exceedingly practical, it is about learning how to perform your every day activities in a less harmful manner. You can wear your normal attire as it does not involve any movements, poses or stretches that you would not usually do in your daily life.
	"Alexander instruction is, at first, an individual matter one-to-one; it cannot be skimped. Unless it is detailed, it is nothing." [2] Wilfred Barlow M.D., Consultant Rheumatologist
Why is the Alexander Technique only taught one-to-one and not in a group? Most of us are unconscious of the faulty habits of posture, movement and reaction that we have which interfere with our natural co-ordination. These habits are very subtle and differ from individual to individual. In the lesson the teacher works almost continuously with their hands and verbal instruction to make you aware of these habits and effect changes. This kind of detailed individual instruction which leads to on-going fundamental change is not possible in a group situation. Can I learn the Technique by myself from a book? Theoretically you can learn anything given enough time. F.M. Alexander, being the originator, learned it by himself. With the help of mirrors he spent nine years experimenting. He didn't have anybody to help him so he had to use mirrors to observe himself, and to start off with he didn't know what he was looking for, only that there was something wrong. An Alexander teacher is trained to spot what is wrong and also how to help you correct it. You can learn more in a course of 10 lessons with a teacher than you could hope to learn in years by yourself. Do Health Funds cover Alexander Technique lessons? A number of Health Funds offer rebates on the cost of Alexander Technique lessons. The level of coverage depends on your particular health fund and what plan you are under. Please contact your health fund for further information regarding rebates. [1] - Alexander Technique As I See It by Patrick Macdonald - Rahula 1989 [2] - The Alexander Principle by Wilfred Barlow M.D. - The Orion Publishing Group 2002