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Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869 - 1955) was a successful actor and reciter in Australia who began to experience complete loss of voice while on stage,
although not in daily life. When doctors could find no medical cause for his problem, Alexander reasoned that the cause must be something that he was doing to himself. After arduous self-study, he confirmed that he was misusing himself in such a way that he interfered with his body's natural functioning. He noticed a subtle change in his posture that occurred when he began to recite, and that the relationship of the head, neck, and back directly affected his vocal abilities. After a period of patient observation, he identified and put into practice certain basic principles of coordination. Not only did his voice problem disappear, but, also, his general health improved. Not only could he stand and speak without strain or tension, but there was also a new ease and fullness to his breathing. As fellow actors and audiences noticed his improved performances, they
sought him out for lessons. Alexander spent the rest of his life in England and America perfecting his Technique and training others to teach. At the age of 78, Alexander suffered a stroke, which paralyzed his left side. Continuing to practice his technique, he recovered fully, and
resumed teaching to within days of his death at age 86. His great success in helping others make dramatic and lasting improvement in their coordination and health helped to spread the popularity of his work beyond actors and singers to people in all walks of life.
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| Alexander in his 70's |
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Donald Higdon
468 Cambridge Road
Ridgewood, NJ 07450
201-575-6977
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