Performing Arts: The Alexander Technique and the Performer

“Since I began weekly sessions learning AT with Bruce Oliver, my quality of life has improved dramatically. I no longer experience the chronic back and neck pain that had become very troublesome over the past year! I sleep better and have more energy in my daily routine. As a professional opera singer, I have learned a great deal from Sherry and Bruce about bad habits in breathing and phonating that caused me chronic tension and pain. Not only do I sing with ease now, I have more resonance and greater dramatic presence in my performing!

Thank you Bruce and Sherry!!”

—Dr. Robin Fisher, CSU Sacramento Department of Music

As a singer, it is extremely important to have as little tension as possible. When I first came to the Pacific Institute for the Alexander Technique I was having difficulties sustaining a smooth/continuos legato and my middle body would shake from the tension while singing dynamics over mf. With the help of Bruce and Sherry, I was able to relieve the tensions that my body was used to and doing so enabled the legato line I had been working for to come out with such ease that it did not even feel like I was singing. All of the sudden, singing became a process where the sound is not created, but allowed to come out through the release of various muscles and joints in the body. Not only was it easier, but my sound both matured and increased in volume thanks to their tutelage.

—Eugene Chan, lyric baritone