General information
- Alexander studies online
online resource which is an initiative of the STAT Research Group - Guide to the Alexander Technique
US resource on the Technique
Books
Many books and articles have been published on the Alexander Technique and there are numerous web resources. While these can never be a substitute for direct experience, they can provide an idea of what the Technique is about, as well as providing useful further insights once you begin lessons. A selection of those which I think may be of particular interest is listed below. These and other publications can be obtained from general bookstores/on-line suppliers or from specialist book suppliers. Do check out the specialist suppliers – not only will you be supporting small independent businesses but sometimes they are cheaper than the multinationals.
- How you stand, how you move, how you live. Missy Vineyard. Marlowe and Company; ISBN 13-978-1-60094-006-4
this comprehensive and thoughtful book will be of interest whether you are new to the Technique or have studied it for many years. It is also my personal favourite. - The Alexander Technique: A skill for life. Pedro De Alcantara. The Crowood Press Ltd. ISBN-10: 1861262868.
a helpful and interesting introductory book. - Body learning. Michael Gelb. Aurum Press; ISBN 1-85410-959-6
another good introduction to the Alexander Technique. - Connected Perspectives: The Alexander Technique in Context. Editors: Claire Rennie, Tanya Shoop, Kamal Thapen. Hite Publications; ISBN 978-0-9568997-4-3.
an eclectic mix of articles covering all aspects of the Alexander Technique. - FM, The life of Frederick Matthias Alexander, Founder of the Alexander Technique. Michael Bloch. Little Brown; ISBN 0-316-86048-4
perhaps the most comprehensive biography available. - Freedom to change. Frank Pierce Jones. Mouritz; ISBN 0-9525574-7-9
a commentary on the life of FM Alexander, combined with a description of the author’s own scientific studies on the Technique. - The art of changing. Glen Park. Ashgrove Publishing; ISBN 1-85398-130-3
an easy-to-read introduction to the Technique. - The art of swimming. Steven Shaw and Armand D’Angour. Ashgrove Publishing; ISBN 1-85398-140-0
the Alexander Technique applied to swimming. - The expanding self. Goddard Binkley. STAT books; ISBN 0-9519304-3-5
a personal account of lessons with FM Alexander by someone who went on to train as a teacher.
Specialist book suppliers
Professional associations and institutes
- The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
the world’s oldest and largest professional association of Alexander teachers - Edinburgh Alexander Training School
Scotland’s only STAT-registered Alexander teacher training course - Manchester Alexander Technique Training School
Alexander teacher training in the Northwest of England
Charities and Trusts
- Alexander Trust
registered charity affiliated with STAT and promoting public education on, and research into, the Technique - BackCare
A registered charity dedicated to reducing the impact of back and neck pain
Other recommended teachers
- Recommended teachers – mostly working in and around Edinburgh: here and here
- A full list of STAT-registered teachers can be found on the STAT website