Alexander Technique learning

[Daniel_piano]

Is it possible to learn Alexander Technique reading a book or watching a video without having lessons with a teacher
There's a teacher on my region that teach Alexander Technique to pianist and I would love to reward him with the deserved 35$ he asks for each lesson (for a total of 20 lessons) but I can't really afford it, I simply don't have that money and I can't materialize them magically
So I wonder if in such a case it would be effective anyway to learn and apply Alexander Technique by reading books

Daniel

[xvimbi]

The short answer is 'no', you can't learn the Alexander Technique from books. With an Alexander teacher who specifically tailors a course to pianists you have a unique opportunity. Don't let this slip away. Ask if there are shorter courses; perhaps others are in the same situation, so getting a few people together and asking for a 10-lesson course may work. Also, ask directly if there are ways to make the course cheaper for students in your situation. Also, some Universities/colleges provide support for courses like these. Try to find a solution. I'm sure you won't regret it.

[Daniel_piano]

Thanks xvinbi
I'll follow your suggestion
Since this would be a real sacrifice to me because of the money involved (I'll have to ask a funding to my uncle, funding that I'll have to pay back) I would like to know what is the percentage of success, basically, of the Alexander Technique according to your experience

If a person suffers from CTS, epincodilitis and tendonitis does the Alexander Technique  always solve the problem eliminating tension and stress?
Since al the lessons I've to take are a lot of money I wonder if this money will be well spent without doubt

I know it would be your opinion and not a certain fact, but I would appreciate it as well

Daniel

[xvimbi]

Thanks xvinbi
I'll follow your suggestion
Since this would be a real sacrifice to me because of the money involved (I'll have to ask a funding to my uncle, funding that I'll have to pay back) I would like to know what is the percentage of success, basically, of the Alexander Technique according to your experience

If a person suffers from CTS, epincodilitis and tendonitis does the Alexander Technique  always solve the problem eliminating tension and stress?
Since al the lessons I've to take are a lot of money I wonder if this money will be well spent without doubt

I know it would be your opinion and not a certain fact, but I would appreciate it as well

Those are questions you should really ask that teacher. There are no guarantees. The Alexander Technique is primarily a preventive technique, not a curative, but it does often help people who have injuries.

[mosis]

What is the Alexander technique?

[Daniel_piano]

What is the Alexander technique?

    "The Alexander technique is a way of learning how you can get rid of harmful tension in your body."* Although certainly not a full definition of the Alexander Technique, this is a good start.

    A more complete description is offered in "Changing The Way You Work: The Alexander Technique":

        "The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change (movement) habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your activities. It is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body. The Alexander Technique is a method which helps a person discover a new balance in the body by releasing unnecessary tension. It can be applied to sitting, lying down, standing, walking, lifting, and other daily activities..."

    "The Alexander Technique is an intelligent way to solve body problems." So begins an excellent article-length introduction to the Technique.

The Alexander Technique has a long history of helping instrumentalists and singers to perform with less stress and likelihood of injury. Musicians do some of the most complex and demanding physical movements of any profession. In recent years, the term Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) has come into popular use, but musicians have always had to face the challenge of performing the same complex muscular actions over and over again.

By helping musicians improve the quality of the physical movements involved in playing an instrument or singing, the Alexander Technique also helps improve the quality of the music itself. A violinist's stiff shoulders and arms will get in the way of a pleasing sound; a singer's tight neck or jaw will cause the voice to become less resonant. By helping musicians release undue tension in their bodies, the Alexander Technique makes possible a performance which is more fluid and lively, less tense and rigid.
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Read this too:

https://www.alexandertechnique.com/articles/piano/
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Daniel