We talk about having Alexander ‘lessons’ as this is an experience-based approach; it will develop your awareness of how you are holding tension, moving and breathing. You will learn to let go of unhelpful effort and tension, to allow the natural postural mechanism to come back into play.

I teach one-to-one lessons that last 45 minutes. I use a combination of working with my hands and offering ideas and verbal guidance to take you through movements like standing, sitting and walking; we also do some work when you are lying down; and we can apply the Technique to any specific movement or activity that you may want help with, such as speaking, working at a computer, playing an instrument, and lots more.

In the beginning, lessons should be at least once a week, if possible. As the process is about re-educating our habits, the regularity and consistency of the new experiences will be helpful. How many lessons are needed will vary, depending on your individual needs.

£50 per lesson

10 lessons for £450

Hi, I'm Olivia. I was first introduced to the Alexander Technique as an oboe student at the Royal College of Music, twenty-six years ago. I quickly found improvement in my playing, particularly in my sound quality and control; I also stopped getting pain in my wrist when I played and found a general improvement in my mood and well-being. This was the beginning of a life-long journey for me. Even before training, I continued having lessons for many years, finding a never-ending fascination with the discovery and possibilities this work opened up in me.

I have always used the concepts in my oboe and piano teaching, and have found the ideas alone to be so beneficial in helping students to develop their playing. Although my path to the Technique was a musical one, I very much enjoy working with people who have come for a wide range of reasons. The Technique can help with a variety of issues and interests, helping us to improve balance, movement, co-ordination, reduce stress and pain and find more ease and enjoyment in daily activities.

I trained at the Constructive Teaching Centre, with teachers who were trained by Walter Carrington, who worked with Alexander himself.

I now run a private teaching practice, teaching in Acton and Holborn, and I have also assisted on the Alexander courses at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and Rose Bruford Drama School.

I am a registered member of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.