Syllabus Course Description and Learning Outcomes

Course Description

The Alexander Technique explores the relationship of kinesthetic perception and the postural reflexes to physical coordination in performance. The course familiarizes students with the Alexander Technique, an approach to body awareness, body mapping and ease of movement, specifically, but not exclusively, designed for performers. It emphasizes the role of anatomy in developing an understanding and application of the principles of the Alexander Technique.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, students are successfully able to:

  • Understand and experience the principles of the Alexander Technique
  • Demonstrate an increased body awareness in daily life and in the performing arts (music, theater, dance)
  • Possess technical skills which accommodate a wider movement vocabulary
  • Execute movement, both in daily life and performing, with an expanded range of qualitative demands.

 

"Qualitative" could readily be inserted into each of the learning outcomes, explains McCullough. For example: a student sings an aria in Master Class. Students and the instructor show their appreciation with clapping, followed by Alexander Technique coaching and a second run-through of the piece. This time, using the aid of the instructor, and Technique principles, the sound is richer, fuller. Expressivity is enhanced, evoking emotional responses in the listeners.

According to McCullough, "We could ‘prove’ this richer sound by measuring the overtone series emanating from the singer’s larynx. We might count the number of listeners citing an emotional reaction and use this as quantitative support for claiming a learning outcome. However, we do neither measurement. Rather, we celebrate the performing student’s accomplishment with detailed accounts of what we heard and experienced. This provides important feedback to the performer and gives them a supportive community in which to experiment with the Alexander Technique principles and practices."