How to Use the Alexander Technique in Your Teaching Studio
A TVF Workshop for Instrumental Music Teachers
(based on principles of the Alexander Technique)
Tuesday, November 13th, 2018
10:00pm – 4:00pm
Orvieto Musica
3318 N. Lakeshore Drive, Suite 100
Chicago, IL 60605
Workshop Fee: $125
Only 16 Spots!
“TVF has totally transformed my teaching in so many ways.”
“I have gone from a very vague teacher to a very specific and informed teacher. I am learning a new more patient and kind way to teach. I am being given the tools to teach in a student-motivated way; encouraging them to ask questions and explore so that they are better equipped to learn on their own. I am learning how to teach my students to be more kind to themselves and grow in confidence in their singing. There is not an area of my teaching that hasn’t been made better because of my work in TVF.”
–Karen Archbold
You will leave the workshop with a powerful new set of tools to help your students let go off unnecessary tension and experience more ease in their playing.
Dear Instrumental Music Teacher,
Hello! 
My name is Peter Jacobson and I’m Founder and Executive Director of Total Vocal Freedom (TVF) for Singers.
You might be wondering…why is a vocal guy offering an instrumental music workshop?!
Here’s what you should know about me…
Even though my work right now is focused on working with singers, most of my background is as an instrumental conductor and music teacher.
Besides teaching instrumental music in the public schools for 6 years, I also hold two advanced degrees in Orchestral Conducting From University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign and Peabody Conservatory.
And I’m an AmSAT-certified teacher of Alexander Technique (which requires 3 years and 1600 hours of training).
Learning the Alexander Technique 15 years ago was a TOTAL game-changer for me and I’m devoting the rest of my life to sharing it with as many musicians as possible.
I believe learning the Alexander Technique should be a part of every musician’s training.
And I’m not alone in this belief…
You probably know that the Alexander Technique is taught at nearly every major performing arts training institution in the world – places like Juilliard, Royal College of Music, Peabody Conservatory to name a few.
Professor Colin Lawson, the Director of the Royal College of Music in London says:
In our opinion, this approach (the Alexander Technique) is the best means we have yet encountered for solving the artist’s problem of communication and should form the basis of their training.”
Did you catch that?
The director of one of the most respected music schools in the world said that the Alexander Technique should form the basis of a musician’s training.
Here’s the problem though…
If you’re not in a formal educational setting it can be difficult to find regular instruction.
Even if you are able to find an Alexander teacher, it can be challenging to find one that really gets the unique needs of performing artists (unless they have a performance background themselves).
There’s also this issue…
I’ve spoken to many musician’s that have had prior experience with the Alexander Technique and enjoyed it, yet were confused about how to integrate the principles into their teaching and music making.
In this workshop you will learn how to practically integrate Alexander’s discoveries into your own playing and teaching from the get-go.
I will promise you this – if you attend this workshop with an open mind and willingness to explore some new ideas, you will leave with some exciting and fresh new tools that enhance, augment and enliven what you currently do.
What You’ll Learn
You will learn how to practically apply the discoveries of F.M. Alexander into your teaching in the following four areas:
Posture, Alignment and Body Freedom
- The importance of your own “body use” in teaching and coaching
- How to be an excellent “body use” role model for your students
- How to teach/coach with less tension so you have more energy after a long day of teaching
Body Mapping
- The #1 most important joint
- 6 essential points of natural balance in the body
- How to use Body Mapping with your students
Constructive Thinking
- How to use YES plans in your teaching, which are conscious, constructive blueprints for singing and performing success
- How to increase motivation and accelerate learning with your students
- The #1 most important question you can ask your students
Holistic Teaching Strategies
- How to effectively observe and diagnose whole body movement in your students
- What questions to ask your students when they are experiencing tension
- How to use playful experiments to help your students break through limiting habits and blocks
The workshop will be fun, interactive, and will include plenty of time and space to ask questions and engage with the material throughout the session.
What will the workshop be like?
Participants will have the opportunity to play their instruments and work with Peter and Eleni. During the exploration time, the group will discuss the hows and whys of teaching. The learning environment will be playful, fun and supportive!
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is for instrumental music teachers who want to learn how to practically integrated principles from the Alexander Technique into their own playing and teaching (and have a great time in the process!).
Who will be leading this workshop?
I’m super excited to be c0-teaching this workshop with my dear friend and colleague, Eleni Vosniadou. You can learn more about us here.
Here’s what people have said about TVF workshops:
“What an amazing day! You provided a very sensitive, safe environment to work in and how you handled the different capabilities and nuances of the group was really special, very supportive and constructive. The accompanist you chose was an added bonus – her musicianship and sensitivity to each person, together with her genuine feedback to the group was very valuable. My aim was to find my true authentic voice and I did just that. What surprised me was how good I felt when I smiled and just went with the music. I have now put a lot of negativity behind me and already am finding more resonance in my speaking voice…it certainly seems to be my time to branch out and have a lot of fun! THANK YOU AGAIN.
–Eileen Johnson
“I loved the masterclass aspect. Learning concepts is one thing, but seeing and putting them into action is SO helpful. This workshop was thought-provoking and extremely helpful. Thank you very much for your time and expertise!”
–Mary Sullivan
“I learned so much, it’s hard to put it into words. I am still digesting what I have learned, and aiming to put it into practice going forward. It was brilliant! I think this workshop instills in the participants greater confidence not just in singing, but in life in general, which is a wonderful thing. Thank you again for your patience, enthusiasm, positive attitude and encouragement, Peter. You are a great teacher.”
–Caroline Repton
“This was an amazing eye-opening experience that cleared up a lot of questions I had. In just three hours I learned to rethink how my body moves. I feel like a different person!”
–Henry deBuchananne
“I really benefitted from the ‘hands-on’ approach, and your sensitivity to each student’s needs.”
–Mary Slomba
“I found the workshop to be eye-opening. I never would have guessed that just having a better understanding and awareness of how the body is designed to function could make such a difference in how I sing. Peter’s enthusiasm for the technique is infectious, and his patient, hands-on training really works.”
–Nancy Huddleston
“I was very impressed with your introductory class. You found a way to include all of your students and address their concerns without overwhelming them with too much information. I really like the way you structured the class. You are clearly passionate about your work.”
–Katie Katinas
When and where is the workshop?
Date: Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Time: 10:00pm – 4:00pm
Location:Chicago, IL 60605
What is the workshop fee?
The workshop fee is $125.
To ensure a quality and intimate learning experience, there are only 16 spots available.
Click the button now to reserve your spot.
To your teaching success!
Cheers,
Peter Jacobson
Founder & Executive Director
Total Vocal Freedom for Singers