The Alexander Technique for Musicians The Alexander Technique for Musicians by Charles Jay Stein Alexander teachers look at the movements and posture patterns of their students, and help them realize which are effective and which lead to discomfort and pain. Problem patterns are often increased by the repeated movements in playing a musical instrument. After observing the student while playing or during other activities, the teacher shows her where she is tensing and instructs through touch and with verbal instructions, guiding her through activities like walking, speaking or playing an instrument. The body ideally should be in constant flow and movement.
Good posture is both an upward and a downward flow.
The torso should flow upward from the hip joints, the legs should flow downward from the hip joints, and the shoulders should flow by widening horizontally as they float on the ribcage, in constant expansion and contraction through breathing. Unfortunately these flows are often absent. For example many violinists try to hold a particular position with their shoulder girdle. Once they decide where they think their shoulders should be in relation to their arms and torso, they lock their shoulders. None of this is necessary, or helpful.