Alexander Technique teachers-Michael and Jane Shellshear |About Us

Jane and Michael Shellshear

Blue Mountains Alexander Technique

Michael and Jane Shellshear have been deeply involved with the Alexander Community in Australia for many years. Jane has been the Training Course Standing Committee Chairperson for the Australian Society of Alexander Technique Teachers (AUSTAT) and Michael has been Chairperson of AUSTAT a number of times. They have developed a network of colleagues around Australia whom they are happy to refer clients. Michael is the current Chairperson AUSTAT. Both are seasoned presenters and advocates for the Alexander technique.

Together, they have created a beautiful garden studio within the landscaped grounds of their house in Leura. In that way,they provide a sanctuary where people can come to learn in beautiful surroundings.

Jane Shellshear

ABME Licensed Body Mapping Educator; BMus (Syd) LTCL LMusA; m.AUSTAT m.ASPAH

Musical Educator

As a music educator I have extensive knowledge in performance practice across mainstream genres and a depth of experience in instrumental teaching.

As well as a lifelong study of piano, with qualifications from Sydney University and study in London and Manchester, I have also trained as an Alexander Technique teacher. I am the only Licensed Body Mapping Educator in Australia. The Association for Body Mapping Educators is a not-for-profit organisation registered in the USA that licenses highly trained individuals to teach Body Mapping to musicians.

Integrating this with a sophisticated approach to how movement and manner of physical-use impacts upon performance gives my teaching a unique tone.

Keynote Speaker

I often speak at conferences and seminars on the benefits of informed instruction in formal Body Mapping pedagogy for Musicians.

Body Mapping Educator

A Licensed Body Mapping Educator, I am well resourced with support from a worldwide community of teachers dedicated to the same mission – to place music education on a secure somatic foundation.

We work with our fellow musicians to establish healthy patterns of movement that will last them a lifetime of playing. These same patterns will also enhance sound quality and expression in music making.

Musicians can gain immediate benefits from experiencing a Body Mapping session with Jane. Click the button below to book a session. (Sorry, this is for musicians only)

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Michael Shellshear

BA; Advanced Diploma Alexander Technique;Certificate Alexander Technique; Diploma Vocational Education & Training; Cert IV Training and Assessment;Dip Leadership & Management;Dip. Work Health and Safety;Dip.Business m.AUSTAT; AIHS

Experienced Senior Teacher

The facility to quickly understand what your issues are, what may be causing them and strategies for helping you overcome them is a facility that has developed and deepened within me over many years.

I have assisted thousands of people through individual lessons, group classes and workshops. The benefit gained from applying different thinking to your posture, movement, balance and gait can begin quickly and grow. People have reported that the Alexander information has helped them over many years since they originally learned.

I started studying Alexander Technique in the early 1980’s. As well as finding great ways to manage my self and reduce pain episodes, I also realised that I was going to be an Alexander Technique teacher. It was like a “calling”. I qualified as a teacher in 1991. On graduating, I was extremely fortunate to be offered a role managing a busy Alexander Technique practice. It was in Artarmon and my mentor there was Senior Teacher Trainer William Brenner, from the US. I studied under William for a number of years post graduation.

Years of experience allow for a deep understanding of how this work can profoundly help people. Alexander Technique is empowering because it provides individuals with the knowledge and skill to self-regulate their movement and to develop resilience against life’s challenges.

I studied Drama at UNSW and trained in acting and performing arts with the Drama Studio Sydney. It was there that I began my lifelong interest in human movement and functioning. I was fortunate to teach Alexander Technique at NIDA and the Actors Centre during the 90’s.

Leadership and adult learning

Further study and some lucky opportunities allowed me the chance to work with companies around Australia to advise on safety leadership, change management and safety audit. Later on I gained qualifications in adult learning and spent some years training trainers for all areas of industry and diverse workplaces.

I am the current Chair of The Australian Society for Alexander Technique Teachers (AUSTAT) having served in that role four times previously.

Approved Teacher Trainer

As a teacher trainer, approved by AUSTAT, to run the Teacher Training Program at Blue Mountains, I am realising a wonderful opportunity to help others create their own journey of discovery. Recently I wrote the Alexander Technique Teacher Training Standard for AUSTAT based on Australian Quality Framework guidelines. It required deep thought, knowledge and experience to complete.

Through my teaching, I invite you to discover how your body and mind self-organise to deliver outcomes such as healing from injury, learning new information, integrating and coordinating movement, posture and balance. Click the button and let me practically introduce you to the incredible discoveries of FM Alexander.

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