Taught by renowned
performer
Barbara Wegher-Thompson
In this opening lesson, Barbara Wegher-Thompson explores the history and foundational principles of the Alexander Technique, introducing the discoveries of F. M. Alexander and how they revolutionized our understanding of movement, coordination, and awareness. Geared toward musicians, the lesson connects Alexander’s insights to the physical demands of music-making, offering a compelling entry point into how conscious use of the body can enhance performance, prevent injury, and support lifelong artistry.
Overview
In this opening lesson, Barbara Wegher-Thompson explores the history and foundational principles of the Alexander Technique, introducing the discoveries of F. M. Alexander and how they revolutionized our understanding of movement, coordination, and awareness. Geared toward musicians, the lesson connects Alexander’s insights to the physical demands of music-making, offering a compelling entry point into how conscious use of the body can enhance performance, prevent injury, and support lifelong artistry.
Constructive Rest
In this lesson, Barbara Wegher-Thompson introduces Constructive Rest—a foundational practice in the Alexander Technique that supports deep physical release and recalibration. You’ll learn how this simple, restorative position allows the body to unwind habitual tension, improve alignment, and create space for more efficient movement. Ideal for musicians, Constructive Rest offers a practical tool for resetting between practice sessions, performances, or daily activities, helping you maintain a balanced, responsive body ready for expressive music-making.
Primary Pattern Exercise
In this practical lesson, Barbara Wegher-Thompson guides you through a Primary Pattern exercise designed for all musicians and singers. You’ll explore how to access your body’s natural coordination by gently activating the head-neck-back relationship—the foundation of easeful movement in the Alexander Technique. This simple yet powerful exercise can be applied before practicing, performing, or even daily activities, helping you release tension, improve alignment, and return to a state of balance and responsiveness every time you engage with your instrument or voice.
Piano: Instrument Specific Examples
Explore how the Alexander Technique supports seated musicians through a practical piano example, helping you reduce tension, find balanced posture, and play with greater ease and expression.
Violin: Instrument Specific Examples
See how the Alexander Technique applies to string playing through a practical example with the violin, helping you release tension, improve posture, and play with greater freedom and fluidity.
Trumpet: Instrument Specific Examples
Explore how the Alexander Technique supports brass players through a practical trumpet example, helping you improve breath support, reduce tension, and perform with greater ease and endurance.
Voice: Instrument Specific Examples
Explore how the Alexander Technique supports singers through a practical voice example, helping you release tension, enhance breath control, and sing with greater freedom, resonance, and expression.
Barbara Wegher-Thompson holds a BA and MA in Dance from UCLA, with an emphasis in performance and choreography. She toured as a featured performer with the UCLA Dance Company, was a member of Alleluia Dance Theater, and performed with the the LA based company, Martha Kalman and Dancers.
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