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F. Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian actor and reciter who became hoarse during performances to such an extent that his career was threatened. He came to realise that his problems were caused by the way he interfered with his natural co-ordination and functioning, and that he must somehow learn to prevent this misuse of himself.

After several years of patient observation and experiment, Alexander developed a new approach to co-ordination and movement. In doing so he not only cleared up his own vocal problems, but also brought about remarkable improvement in his general health.

Alexander moved to London in 1904 and continued to develop and teach the technique in England and America until his death in 1955. He started a three year teacher training programme in 1931. There are now a thousand teachers of the Technique worldwide and many doctors and specialists refer patients for lessons. Research in England, North America, Denmark, and Australia has demonstrated the effectiveness of the work.

The outstanding value of the Technique in freeing and enhancing performance has been recognised in the theater world since the beginning of the century. Most of the major music and drama colleges have Alexander teachers on their staff.

Experience of the Technique has also lead to praise from Prof. John Dewey (philosopher & educationalist), Aldous Huxley (writer), George Bernard Shaw (writer), Sir Charles Sherrington (Nobel-prize winner - medicine), Prof. Raymand Dart (anthropologist & anatomist), Prof. Nikolaas Tinbergen (Nobel-prize winner - medicine & physiology) and numerous musicians, actors, athletes, and many others.

The Alexander Technique is taught at the Julliard School of Performing Arts in New York, at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, The Stratford Shakespearean Festival, Boston University, and Het Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam, het Haags Conservatorium, and the Academy for the Arts in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Arnhem and many other centres.

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