alexander technique

Tubadork · Post by **Tubadork** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:16 am

I did alexander for about a year (free through school, such a deal) and I thought that it was helpful. At the very least it made me consciuos of how I hold and use my body while playing and when I'm not playing. I learned some exercises that I still do. You can learn a bunch on your own:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=al ... +technique
and here is a good book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080504 ... e&n=283155

Bill

TexTuba · Post by **TexTuba** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 10:09 am

I have worked a little with Feldenkrais and I liked it very much. If you want to find out more about it, I would look up Sumner Erickson. He could give you some info. on it and point you in the right direction if you were curious.

Ralph

tubajoe · Post by **tubajoe** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:05 am

yes -- studied some alexander - highly recommended

I attended a seminar, did some private studying in undergrad, then in grad took a class on it.

It changed how I held the horn, and freed things up a LOT. I'd say it had a relatively significant effect on how I play.

There is a physical element to playing the tuba -- not only the size of the horn, but also the fact that it is so asymmetrical -- alexander can help you deal with that and minimize how much it affects you.