Group Alexander Technique Sessions
Private sessions are the most usual and obviously the most effective method of learning the Technique, but group work has its place as well. Gail offers three types of 'Taster' Workshop:
1. General Alexander Technique 'Taster' Workshops for people with issues connected with backs, necks, joints, mental and emotional stress and activities such as computer use, gardening, driving, horseriding, sewing, fishing, golf, etc. Please see the Workshops page for details of dates, locations, costs etc.
2. Performing Arts Alexander Technique 'Taster' Workshops for singers, musicians, actors and dancers of all levels. Please see the Workshops page for details of dates, locations, costs etc.
3. Tailored Alexander Technique 'Taster' Workshops. 'Taster' workshops can be tailored to suit any group of up to 8 people who share a common interest, eg singing, fishing, gardening, horseriding, etc.
Please phone Gail on 01748 884450 to discuss.
Gail also offers the following group courses:
Staff development introductory courses. Gail has been offering staff development courses since 1993 at educational institutions, research and library institutions and in companies. Courses can be tailored to suit various kinds of work applications. A CD accompanies the course. For further details, please see the Staff Development testimonials page
Dolfinjazz introductory residential weekends from time to time for six jazz instrumentalists/singers. For more information and comments about the Alexander Technique in relation to jazz, please see the Dolfinjazz section of the 'Benefits of Alexander Technique' page.
"I found Gail's work really really helpful for relaxing my muscles, which is the most important thing when playing the trumpet. It has also made a difference to my breathing, in that I am not closing my throat as much and so the air flow is better.
Gail was really friendly, really positive and really easy to understand. Everything was well-explained and you really felt you were getting something out of it."
(Leo, Jazz Trumpet-player, 18-year-old student at Birmingham Conservatoire of Music) Read more of Leo's comments"In response to a growing need for stress management support, Gail organised a programme enabling both teaching and support staff to learn, practise and develop further their skills in management of the Technique and, ultimately, management of individual levels of stress. Staff quickly learn how to identify and relieve those problems associated with stress such as back-pain, headaches, stiffness and anxiety states in a warm, friendly and extremely relaxed environment."
(Karen, Staff development officer of a large educational institution) Read more of Karen's comments
When I look at the difference in my standing from before the session(left picture) and after(right picture), I'm amazed! I think, why on earth was I standing like that sticking out my belly in an unattractive way! So now, not only do I feel better, but I look better too!
The course makes staff happier, more relaxed and better at avoiding hurting themselves while they work. For example I now sit better, and as I'm sat at my desk most of the day, this helps me to avoid getting aches and pains which could stop me working so well. It was great fun working in the group. I'd thought it might be embarassing, but it wasn't! We all encouraged each other and I really enjoyed the sessions.
Photos show: 'Before' (habitual standing stance at the beginning of the group session on 'standing and walking', which is the fourth session of six sessions) and 'After' (at the end of the group session - a much more natural and easy balance) (Suzy, Administrator) Read more of Suzy's comments.
Gail Barlow is the Director of Dolphin Alexander Courses, which she set up in 1990 after completing the three-year full-time Alexander Technique Teacher Training Course and qualifying as a Teacher of the F M Alexander Technique.
Gail trained as an Alexander Teacher in the eighties and has now worked with over 2,000 people in the UK and Europe. She is now a very experienced teacher and is able to 'tune in' and work with each person in a method and at a pace uniquely suited to their individual needs.
She is a Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), which was founded in 1958 and is the oldest and largest professional body of Alexander Technique teachers in the world.
Data protection and privacy
Any contact and other personal details that you provide to Gail will only be used to communicate with you regarding your appointments and to provide necessary information regarding your Alexander Technique course. Any information held will be deleted 12 months after you cease to be a student. Personal information regarding students will be kept strictly confidential.