Blue Mountains
Alexander Technique
Discover how great movement & posture can
improve your life.
Michael from Blue Mountains Alexander Technique with a student
What is the Alexander Technique?
Alexander Technique teaches you how to move in a new considered way with maximum ease and efficiency.
Whether you need to overcome painful movement conditions or require better coordinated performance in skills, Alexander Technique provides valuable learning that isn’t available anywhere else.
You work with a teacher to unlock your body’s movement abilities.
Human Design Wisdom
When every part of you collaborates, you begin to experience human design wisdom that may not have been so obvious previously. It’s a joyous discovery to understand that we are made for ease of movement.
Imagine your mind and body working together in new ways to provide rapid improvement.
Your Alexander teacher will show you how to choose the movements that help you to reduce pain, grow in stature and minimise muscle tension.
Many chronic back and neck pain sufferers have said that Alexander skills have enabled them to know what to do to minimise their pain episodes.
Better breath control
Awareness of the muscles around the larynx, throat and neck can take pressure off highly stressed vocal components needed by singers, actors and trainers.
Reduction of tension allows for easier breathing.
It’s easy to see how improving your movement can make you feel better by taking pressure off your whole human system. Check out our resource section for in depth information.
A little Alexander Technique background.
Alexander Technique is based on the discoveries of Australian actor FM Alexander (pictured below). He lived from 1869 until 1955. He made interrelated movement discoveries through an incredible process of observation of himself and others.
Even after a century of scientific discovery and innovation, Alexander observations on movement and posture have captured a fundamental key about human functioning.
Learning the Alexander Technique is easy when you learn with highly trained, qualified teachers. In Australia. the Australian Society of Alexander Technique Teachers (AUSTAT) is the peak body that represents and accredits Alexander Technique teachers.
Watch this informative video from the FM Alexander Trust.
[How does the Alexander Technique work? Towards a scientific model. – YouTube]
How to learn
Although it’s useful to read a book about Alexander Technique, it misses all the sensory information necessary to develop accurate skills and knowledge. The many thousands of people who have learned Alexander Technique, have done so by attending lessons with a qualified teacher or group classes with a qualified teacher.
In lessons you learn to self-regulate your movement through growing your awareness. The table above shows how mindful awareness of movement is developed through experiment and practical activities.
In lessons or group classes, you’ll perform simple movements in interesting new ways. The emphasis is on having all parts of you collaborate and work together harmoniously.
Bring a musical instrument, a golf club or any other practical skill that you would like to work with.
Blue Mountains Alexander Technique is Michael and Jane Shellshear. We are both highly experienced Alexander teachers. Jane specialises in working with musicians. If you would like to learn with us. Click the ” learn with us” link above to find out more.
Saturday 12th November Workshop
Come to our November 12th Saturday workshop from 10am until 3pm at Leura. Morning tea and lunch included. A great day to learn Alexander skills for easy, pain free movement.
Alexander learning Blue Mountains Alexander Studio Leura
FM Alexander 1869-1955
Alexander Technique teaches you fundamental knowledge about your body.
At the studio, Leura
Experimenting with movement
Michael Shellshear uses table work to teach Alexander principles
Body Mapping for musicians-the art of movement in music
When was the last time that you felt really good in your body when playing music?
If it’s been a while, then the statistics are saying you are not alone and that you may even be experiencing pain or discomfort as a result of playing.
Licensed Body Mapping Educator, Jane Shellshear teaches the art of movement in music. You learn the practicalities of how your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, fascia work together to support you and allow you to play. The main purpose in studying your own anatomy is to bring that information to life in your music making.
As a highly experienced musician, I’m uniquely placed to ensure that quality movement information is fused with your own musical intention.
Connect deeply with the music while simultaneously caring for your movement health in performance.
You can improve the effectiveness of your music teaching. Improving your communication around technique is key.
Technique is how we move to play, to achieve the sound we want.
So having the tools to assist your students to learn how to move well is a revolutionary step in pedagogic practice. Contact us to find out more.
Jane-Bodymapping-at-the-piano
Mapping arm movement with musician
Body mapping assists musicians in playing
Piano Pedagogy
“Michael Shellshear is a masterful Alexander teacher. He guides one into freedom, not just physically but also on a deeper level. The knowledge he imparts about Alexander’s teachings and its relationship to the human experience will remain with you for a lifetime.”
" I have Parkinson’s. I can truthfully say that I wouldn’t be walking now without knowledge of the Alexander technique.
Michael transmits to the pupil a very fine inner consciousness.
It is, literally, life-saving."
John Summers - Musician. Hazelbrook
The tools and practical lessons taught by Michael allowed me to bring awareness to how I was moving physically through the world. Pain levels are down and I am excited to see how far I can take this journey of awareness and body integration.
Kyle Stewart Blackheath
It was terrific. With all the bits and pieces of pain in my body, I now have a possible solution. All it requires is focus and application and a modicum of will power. Good luck me!
I was led to discover more about controlling my movements including standing, walking, sitting and rising. Very comprehensive but in a manageable staged sequence. I became very aware of my body and movements and my ability to make conscious decisions on how to move it. I have been pain free for quite some time now.
“Jane, I really can’t thank you enough for giving me the tools and information to shift some particularly challenging lifelong habits. Who knew bringing awareness would help so much?! A big thank you!”
“Thank you, Jane. After your Body Mapping session, the flow of air and sound was free and fluid. It was awesome!”
“Here’s a way to rediscover your body and connect to the way it moves. Come away with a strong connection to a more free flowing, moving you!”
Irene Iskric- Molong NSW
Michael has extraordinary skill in Alexander Technique and his group classes are a joy to attend.
Dave Starr- Hazelbrook
Michael’s use of language really helped me understand and reveal the possibilities of movement without “holding on” and without fear. It was great to observe the work of others, too, as it reinforced the philosophy. A transformative day for me! Thank you, Michael
Susan Head. Bowral NSW
A wonderful, engaging and inciteful workshop, with plenty of opportunity to practise the work and much to take home to continue improving my co-ordination and use. The group of people were great to engage with and Michael with his expansive knowledge and experience bought the whole day seamlessly together. Thank you.
Pam Darby-Mann - Molong
