Learning to use one’s body more naturally and efficiently, with less tension, is the aim of the Alexander
Technique, a method for improving body use used worldwide. At Bowling Green State University, a free
workshop on the technique will be held Aug. 29 and 30, sponsored by the College of Musical Arts. Aimed
primarily at singers, instrumentalists and actors, the workshop is open to the entire University and
other invited guests.
"We are inviting all BGSU community members as well as people from nearby colleges and the Toledo
School for the Arts," said oboist Dr. Jacqueline Leclair, an assistant professor of music
performance studies and one of the event’s organizers. "Anyone who does public speaking, playing in
bands, singing, dancing, sports – all would take away great information from these sessions."
Dr. James Brody, of the University of Colorado at Boulder, will be the visiting guest lecturer for the
weekend. At Colorado, he teaches courses on oboe and rock music and directs the Alexander Technique
Center. He also created the Wellness Program for Musicians there, devoted to music students.
On Aug. 29, Brody will open the workshop with an introductory lecture and master class from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. in 202B Bowen-Thompson Student Union. During the master class portion, he will coach a singer, an
actor and a musician, one at a time, helping them to develop physical habits that optimize their
performance of their craft.
In the afternoon, he will present a two-and-a-half-hour master class at Bryan Recital Hall in Moore
Musical Arts Center, again coaching participants individually in front of the audience.
Saturday participants may sign up for small group lessons with Brody from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 30,
at the college.
The technique is based on three elements: body awareness, the ability to undo excess tension, and the use
of thought rather than muscular resolve to engender more efficient movement. The teacher observes
students’ movements and posture patterns, awakening the body’s ability to find its own inherent balance.
