Who invented the Alexander Technique?
Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955) was the son of a farmer in Tasmania (Australia). His ambition was to become an actor. In the mid-1890s he began to experience voice difficulties which doctors failed to diagnose. Through a process of self-observation, using mirrors, knowledge of anatomy and physiology he concluded that his condition derived from bad posture. He deduced that faulty use of postural mechanism was responsible for many of mankind’s ills in the stressful modern world.
His technique evolved to help himself and others to overcome their harmful postural habits. He achieved such a good reputation in both the medical and arts fields he was convinced to introduce his technique in England and the USA. He taught privately and trained other people to become teachers of the Alexander Technique.