Amanda Blair MacDonald

Amanda Blair MacDonald is an AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique teacher with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience. She holds space for non-judgmental experimentation and growth that will support you to move better, play better, and feel better.

Amanda completed a 1600-hr Teacher Training program at the Dimon Institute in NYC, plus continuing education work with Alexander Technique teacher trainers Joan and Alex Murray, Beret Arcaya, Luc Vanier, Judith Kleinman, Sue Merry, Mio Morales, and Alice Olsher.

Amanda has had a lifelong interest in music and the performing arts. She grew up playing flute, guitar, and piano and has toured nationally and internationally with musical theatre and singing groups, performing in Switzerland, England, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and most of the 48 states on the US mainland. Favorite roles include: Mistress in Evita, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Lola in Damn Yankees, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, and Mrs. Cratchit in Toby Nicholson’s musical version of A Christmas Carol.

In addition to her experience as a performer, Amanda has an extensive background in teaching. Her teaching credits include: Roosevelt University-Chicago College of Performing Arts, UIC School of Theatre and Music, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy-NY, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts-NY, The Ailey School, The 92nd Street Y, The Joffrey Ballet, and Chicago Lights, as well as multiple schools, studios, master classes, and teacher professional development workshops.  Amanda incorporates the Alexander Technique, developmental movement, Brain-Compatible Lesson Planning, and anatomy mapping in her teaching methods to a full spectrum of individuals and groups – ranging from toddler age to adulthood. She currently teaches Alexander Technique at the DePaul University School of Music.

Amanda’s TEDx DePaul talk about MPA “How We Move Is How We Think,” is available on YouTube and on her website www.AmandaBlairMacDonald.com