Alexander Technique online coaching

Alexander Technique online lessons: get the help you need to start moving freely and easily.

Do you struggle with tension when you play or sing?

Are orchestra rehearsals an agony of shuffling around, trying to get comfortable?
Do you have to end a practice session early because you just ache?
Are you constantly doing the rounds of visits to the osteopath, acupuncturist, massage therapist, but the relief never lasts?

Do you suffer with presentation- or performance-related tension or anxiety?

Do you have persistent problems with intonation, rhythm or co-ordination that don’t seem to be addressed through changes in technique?

Are you struggling to find a coach or teacher close to you who can cater to your particular needs? Perhaps you need a performance specialist?

Then I can help.

Jennifer MackerrasI have nearly 10 years’ experience in helping people to rethink the way they are going about activities, to reduce muscular tension, and get back to loving life. My students learn effective tools and strategies that stop the discomfort and promote flexibility, ease of motion and a new experience of moving.

“[I learned about] the wonder of the unity of how the amazing piece of kit called the body works.”
Dominick, actor.

Why online lessons?

Traditionally, performance coaching with Alexander Technique has been done in-person, and generally involves hands-on guidance to help make change. However, this isn’t the only way to learn. FM Alexander created his work without anyone using hands; when he first started teaching, he didn’t use his hands. What he used right from the beginning, and used all through his own teaching career, was keen observation and questioning skills.

When we are getting in our own way, it isn’t simply a physical problem. It’s far more a question of the ideas that we have that aren’t helping us. From observing what you do as you play or perform, I can see the habitual movements that might be causing you discomfort and a loss of technical facility. I can then give you advice and ask you questions to help you re-examine the ideas and assumptions lying behind the movement behaviours, so that you can begin to make positive change. I can also help you construct a practice and self-care regime that will make your practice sessions more fun and effective.

“Alexander Technique lessons by Skype with Jen are great. I’m based miles away and have no chance of regular hands-on lessons. These lessons really reinforce who is in charge – ie yourself and your ideas. And they are just as much fun as conventional lessons – and just as effective”

Katherine, lecturer

Here’s how I work

Jennifer Mackerras and musicianI want my students to get better quickly, and to be able to apply the ideas I teach whenever and wherever they choose. So I structure my sessions to encourage my clients to learn to do stuff for themselves!

At your first appointment with me, I want to do the following things:

  • assess your current physical problems and take a history
  • find out your goals
  • give you some background on what Alexander Technique is
  • let you know whether I think I will be able to help you to achieve your goals, and how long it is likely to take
  • give you the opportunity to decide if you feel comfortable with me.
  • provide you with some advice and exercises that will help you move towards your goals right from day one.

By the end of the first appointment, I aim to give you an assessment of where I think you are currently, and how long it is likely to take for me to be able to help you. If I think you’re in the wrong place for what you want to achieve, I’ll tell you that, too! My aim is to give you an honest summary, so that you can decide how you want to proceed.

If we decide to work together, I will recommend a series of appointments, initially weekly. I always recommend doing a reassessment at the end of the 6th appointment, so that we can see if you’re progressing towards your goals.

You can either pay for each session singly, or purchase 6 sessions all up front. If you decide to go for the up-front option, I give a discount: instead of £240 for six lessons, you pay only £200.

Cost:  £45 for up to 40 minutes

OR  £225 for a six lesson package and unlimited email consultation.

Technical requirements:

For online lessons, you will need:

  • either a tablet or a webcam, a computer with good processing speed;
  • a fast internet connection;
  • either a Skype or a Zoom account.

OVER THE FIRST SIX APPOINTMENTS, I WILL:

  • check in with you to see how you are progressing
  • work with you on specific activities that you want to improve, so that we can make them freer and easier
  • teach you the basic principles and tools of the Alexander Technique
  • give you small pieces of ‘homework’ that are aimed at helping you to apply Alexander Technique to your everyday life. My aim is to make it fun and easy to incorporate into your daily routines

give you something to read, to deepen your understanding and help you improve more quickly.

In sessions 5 and 6 we will spend some time discussing whether you feel you have progressed sufficiently, and feel confident enough to keep working independently. Often, 6 sessions is enough! If this is the case for you, we’ll discuss options for helping you keep in touch with the ideas from my lessons. I have a newsletter, and I offer an ongoing email support service to all my students.

Of course, some problems take longer to solve than others, and I will take the time to work with you for as long as it takes to get you to where you want to be. But I also work to help you to be able to ‘do’ the Alexander Technique for yourself. My mission is to give you all the tools you need so that you won’t need to keep coming back to me forever!

I can’t wait to help you to achieve your goals.

“I spend my life teaching people how to overcome fear while riding but I couldn’t sing in public… until I met Jennifer. A big thank you to Jen, her gentle approach and the Alexander Technique. I recommend a visit for walking, dancing, singing, playing music or anything you wish to achieve.”

Lisa, riding teacher

Why you should contact me today

If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel a bit skeptical. ‘Can Alexander Technique coaching really help me with my problems?’ is a question that may be in your mind.

I completely understand that doubt, and it’s a thought that held me back from getting help for a long time. And for all the time I waited, my physical problems remained. Actually, they got worse. I delayed helping myself for no good reason!

Coaching with me might not be the answer to your difficulties. But putting off making the decision won’t help you – it will just leave you feeling more stuck. Better to give me a call, book the initial consultation, and find out one way or the other. Experimenting is the best way to improve your options. Remember, if I think I can’t help you, I will be honest and tell you so. You really have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Book an initial session with me today

I’m really looking forward to talking with you about how I can help you to reach your goals.
Fill in the form below, and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours. We can book a time to suit you.

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    I can’t wait to hear from you.

    “A big thank you for starting me on a journey that has already made such a difference to how I feel and think! Alexander Technique is great and you bring such a sense of fun into your teaching.”

    Sally, carer