Syllabus: MUSIC 5150 ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FOR MUSICIANS

Instructor: Brian McCullough tel: (612) 267-5154; email: mccul045@umn.edu Room 81, Ferguson Hall 

Office Hours: by appointment or 15 minutes before or after class

Definition of the Alexander Technique: The Alexander Technique is a century-old technique used by musicians
and others as a means of solving performance problems. Alexander principles address how the daily habits in the
use of the self (such as sitting, standing and walking) affect seemingly disparate problems such as stage fright,
musculo-skeletal pain, playing induced injuries, and computer use injuries. For musicians, the interplay of
unconscious habits and the body mechanics of daily “use of the self” strongly affect tone production and technique.
The Alexander Technique provides tools to enhance fundamental coordination. Its application leads to
improved performance, technical ease, and a reduction or elimination of chronic aches and pains.

Class Objectives: This class is an introduction to the Alexander Technique. The objectives are to:
• Learn the principles of the Alexander Technique including: inhibition, direction, primary control, sensory
awareness, process, positions of mechanical advantage

• Receive periodic individual hands-on work in order to experience change of coordination;

• Directly apply the Alexander Technique to specific performance; and,

• Prepare a student for future Alexander Technique study. 


Class Texts:
Purchase this book NOW
• The Alexander Technique for Musicians by Judith Kleinman (Kindle version may be available)

online version at:  http://site.ebrary.com.ezp2.lib.umn.edu/lib/uminnesota/detail.action?

docID=10794467

These texts are PDF files on the Moodle AND in the library course reserves:
• “Mind and Muscle: An Owner’s Handbook” by Elizabeth Langford

Grading Criteria:
1) WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS. 50% of your grade will be determined by completion of weekly assignments.  On the
Moodle site, post to these assignments:

MOODLE QUESTIONNAIRE: Submit a SUMMARY of the assigned readings

• just the facts / 150-400 words

• use whole, grammatically correct sentences

• no personal experience/opinions

• use bullet points

• there should be at least a couple of sentences of summary for each chapter sub-heading.

MOODLE FORUM: Submit a DISCUSSION of the assigned readings including:

• what you think may be particularly interesting to musicians (or anyone)

• what you think may be particularly confusing (or contradictory to common beliefs)

• Compose a question — directed to students related to the readings

Your DISCUSSION posting on the Moodle site will be observable by all students and you,
but only after first making your post.

Your grade will be lowered as follows for failed/missed summary assignments (there are approximately 24
assignments):

Three missed/failed = B

Five missed/failed = C

Seven missed/ failed = D

If you can’t submit your assignment on time, please request an extension from the teacher.

2) SUMMARY PAPERS. Each student will complete 2 SUMMARY PAPERS on an assignment. The papers will be
given as an oral report followed by discussion. At every class, a selected student will read their Summary Paper.
aloud to class. The Summary Paper should be kept short (1-2 typewritten pages). At the end of the

(continued…)

paper, please compose two questions related to the text in order to stimulate class member discussion. 

Submit your PAPER to the Moodle QUESTIONNAIRE. No Moodle DISCUSSION is needed when doing a class
paper.

3) REGULAR ATTENDANCE. 50% of your grade is determined by attendance. There are 30 hours of class for the
semester. If you are absent more than 15 minutes during an hour, that is an absence. Total number of 

absence hours affect the grade as follows:

Five absent hours = B

Seven absent hours = C

Eight absent hours = D

Excused absences are: illness of the student or his or her dependent and religious observances. Also, with the
permission of the instructor: auditions and musical performances.

4) CLASS PARTICIPATION. Each class, you will:

• Arrive on time for class

• Participate in class discussion; the topics will be interesting and you will have an opinion.

• Receive your allotted individual, hands-on guidance.

• Dedicate at least 10 minutes to observe someone else receiving a chair lesson.

• Do 10-20 minutes of floor work during class (you will learn how to do this during class).

There will be no final exam during exam week.

Class Limitations: While there are advantages to learning the Alexander Technique in group classes, the Alexander
Technique is best learned with lots of hands-on guidance, like in private lessons. Private Alexander lessons now —
or at some point in the future — are highly recommended. A listing of Alexander Technique teachers can be found
at http://www.amsat.ws Info on lessons with Brian is at: www.MinnCAT.org

Class Etiquette:
• While the teacher is working individually with a student, limit talking to a quiet level

• NO use of mobile devices unless it is for class/study purposes

• Wear comfortable clothes; no dresses/skirts -- have clean hands, clothes and especially socks in preparation
for your individual hands-on work with the teacher

• Do not walk on floor mats with shoes

• Feel free to call the instructor by first name

University Policies: See this link for policies relating to Grade definitions, Student Conduct Code, Makeup Work
for Legitimate Absences, Teaching and Learning: Student Responsibilities, Sexual Harassment, Equity and Diversity,
Disability Services, Mental health and stress management services, Academic Freedom and Responsibilities —
http://cei.umn.edu/support-services/tutorials/u-m-syllabus-requirements/policy-statements

Instructor Bio: Brian McCullough is a teacher of the F. M. Alexander Technique at the University of Minnesota, and
at his private teaching studio in Minneapolis. His clients include performing artists of all levels of ability interested in
learning the Alexander Technique to improve performance skills and to eliminate musculoskeletal discomforts.
Additionally, Brian operates a Teacher Certification Program at the Minnesota Center for the Alexander Technique.

Brian holds a degree from the Western Michigan University School of Music. His advance degree equivalent is a
certificate to teach the Alexander Technique approved by the American Society for the Alexander
Technique (AmSAT). He studied daily for three years (1600 hours) with Joan and Alex Murray, renown
Alexander pedagogues from England.

Office Location: 2375 University Avenue, Saint Paul. I’m on the corner of University Av and Raymond Av not far from
the Minneapolis / Saint Paul border. website is: www.MinnCAT.org

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ASSIGNMENT ROSTER — MUS 5150 Alexander Technique

assignments are due each week by TUESDAY midnight

# Due Class Book Chapters Topics Paper Assigned To:

1 Sep 12 Sept 14 AT for Musicians forward 1, 2, 3, 4 Habit in Learning (summarize chapter 1 and 4 only) Sarah

2 Sep 12 Sept 14 Mind and Muscle 1, 2, 34 Introduction; Personal Story; Alexander’s History Morganne

3 Sep 19 Sept 21 AT for Musicians 5 Primary Control Mario

4 Sep 19 Sept 21 Mind and Muscle 3, 4, 5 Movement, Body-Image, Eternal Triangle Cully

5 Sep 26 Sept 28 AT for Musicians 6 Inhibition Ahmed

6 Sep 26 Sept 28 Mind and Muscle 6, 7, 8 Muscle; Framework Lydia

7 Oct 3 Oct 5 AT for Musicians 7 Direction Cassie

8 Oct 3 Oct 5 Mind and Muscle 9, 10, 33 Muscles and Mood, Choice, Fear Mikhail

9 Oct 10 Oct 12 AT for Musicians 8 Attention and Awareness Amelia

10 Oct 10 Oct 12 Mind and Muscle 13, 14 Coordinating Factor Peri

11 Oct 17 Oct 19 AT for Musicians 13 Semi Supine Sarah

12 Oct 17 Oct 19 Mind and Muscle 15, 16 Head Movements Lara

13 Oct 24 Oct 26 AT for Musicians 15 Balance Haley

14 Oct 24 Oct 26 Mind and Muscle 17, 18, 19 Head and Framework; Joints Mario

15 Oct 31 Nov 2 AT for Musicians 16 Movements and Energy Cully

16 Oct 31 Nov 2 Mind and Muscle 20, 21, 22, 23 Legs Ahmed

17 Nov 7 Nov 9 AT for Musicians 17-18 Receiving a Lesson; Student / Teacher Cassie

18 Nov 7 Nov 9 Mind and Muscle 24, 25, 26 Shoulder Girdle; Hands Morganne

19 Nov 14 Nov 16 AT for Musicians 19 Coordination Lydia

20 Nov 14 Nov 16 Mind and Muscle 29, 30, 31 Chairs; RSI; Exercise Mikhail

21 Nov 29 Nov 30 AT for Musicians 21 What is Good Practice Amelia

22 Nov 29 Nov 30 Mind and Muscle 11, 12 Breathing Peri

23 Dec 5 Dec 7 AT for Musicians 22 Performance Anxiety Lara

24 Dec 5 Dec 7 AT for Musicians 23 Preparing for a Powerful Performance Haley