Free Demo Class: Alexander Technique for Musicians

Join AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique teacher Amanda Blair MacDonald for a free demo class. Learn how to move, play, and feel better.

RSVP preferred, but walk-ins are welcome!

Please RSVP

WHAT IS ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE?

Named for its creator, Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955), Alexander Technique is an educational technique designed to alleviate stress and strain from your body. Learn to move more comfortably, relieve tension and pain, improve posture, avoid injury, and ease anxiety. It can be particularly helpful for singers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors, and athletes.

New this fall!  Alexander Technique Classes come to MIC.

Alexander Technique for Musicians, Teens (grades 9-12)
OCTOBER 5 - NOVEMBER 23 (8 WEEKS)
SATURday, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Winnetka Campus

The Alexander Technique (AT) is used by musicians worldwide to develop poise and ease of movement in practice and performance. Join us to improve your awareness, coordination, and skills applied to your instrument and to your life. This small group class includes gentle full group movement exercises plus opportunities to play in class to receive individualized coaching on your instrument in an environment of curiosity and support. Because Alexander Technique works at the fundamental level of how thought becomes movement, it can be applied to all instruments and levels. Repeat registrations are welcome and encouraged.

Alexander Technique for Musicians, Adults (ages 18 and up)
​​​​​​​OCTOBER 5 - NOVEMBER 23 (8 WEEKS)
SATURday, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Winnetka Campus
 

The Alexander Technique (AT) is used by musicians worldwide to develop poise and ease of movement in practice and performance. Instrumentalists, vocalists, conductors, and teachers learn to resolve and prevent playing-related injuries, pain, stage fright, inappropriate muscular tension, and unconscious habits of misuse that interfere with technical facility, sound quality, freedom of expression, and the joy of playing music. This group class will introduce you to the principles of AT through gentle movement, verbal guidance, and application to your instrument. Because Alexander Technique works at the fundamental level of how thought becomes movement, it can be applied to all instruments and levels. Repeat registrations are welcome and encouraged.

About Amanda Blair MacDonald (MFA, M.AmSAT, R-MPA)

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