Resources

This is an evolving selection of books, websites, and products I recommend. Not every writer or contributor referenced here teaches in the Integrative style that I use, but we share many of the same basic principles.

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[Book] Galvanizing Performance: The Alexander Technique as a Catalyst for Excellence

edited by Cathy Madden and Kathleen Juhl, 2017, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London
This is a book of essays on the use of the Alexander Technique for performers , and it includes a chapter by ME!!! “Is This Dance Made of Cake? An exploration of Alexander Technique in Choreographic Process.” The approaches to teaching in this book vary, and each author includes a description of their perspective. 

[Book] The Use of the Self

by F.M. Alexander , first published in 1932 by Methuen & Co, London
This book is widely regarded as the touchstone of Alexander’s writings, specifically the first chapter, Evolution of a Technique. This chapter illustrates how Alexander discovered / developed the process that we now call the Alexander Technique. His path of discovery also stands as a roadmap to the process itself.

[Book] Teaching the Alexander Technique: Active Pathways to Integrative Practice

by Cathy Madden, 2018, published by Singing Dragon, and Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London
This brand new book by my mentor, Cathy Madden, charts the pathways from using the Alexander Technique to teaching it. I learned to use and teach the Alexander Technique through an apprenticeship model with Cathy over a 20 year process. Her work, and her writing, is both practical and profound.

[Book] Onstage Synergy: Integrative Alexander Technique for Performing Artists

by Cathy Madden, 2014, published by Intellect, The University of Chicago Press
This is the first book by my mentor, Cathy Madden, who has over 30 years of experience training actors, as well as, ( lucky for me) and all kinds of other people, in the use of the Alexander Technique. This book should be in every performer’s library.

[Products]

These are products I love and use. You may be able to find cheaper versions or suppliers; these links are to get your shopping research going.

• The blue pad! From my-airex.com.

• Vertical mouse: From Minicute.

[Anatomy and Body Mapping Books]

Read more about WHY anatomy is worth your time in this blog post.

Here are a few books I recommend:

• The starter anatomy book I recommend for every home is Albinus on Anatomy, available from Dover Press, because it is simple and has beautiful engravings. Note: Remember that even “accurate” anatomical imagery is not you. Every body is different and no book of anatomical information is you.

• For more on Body Mapping:

  • How to learn the Alexander Technique by Barbara Conable and Bill Conable.

  • What every musician needs to know about the human body by Barbara Conable

  • What every dancer needs to know about the body by Robin Gilmore

[Web] Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique

This website from Robert Rickover is an excellent resource for historical and practical information, including a list of Alexander Technique teachers. The publishers of this website also steward the website devoted to the work of Marjorie Barstow. Marj was in F.M. Alexander’s very first group of teacher trainees. Alexander taught Marj who taught Cathy who taught me. I am extraordinarily proud of this teaching lineage.

[Web] Alexander Technique Science

These fine folks are researching and documenting how and why the Alexander Technique is effective.

[Web] Alexander Technique International 

This is the website of my professional organization, of which I am a proud and active member. The website includes a list of ATI- certified and member teachers all over the world.