Alexander Technique: introduction
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 01 May 2025End Date: 29 May 2025Thu (Daytime): 16:30 - 18:00In PersonFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £119.00
- Start Date: 12 Jun 2025End Date: 10 Jul 2025Thu (Daytime): 16:15 - 17:45In PersonFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £119.00
- Start Date: 18 Sep 2025End Date: 16 Oct 2025Thu (Daytime): 16:30 - 18:00In PersonLocation: Kean Street Wellbeing CentreDuration: 5 sessions (over -5 weeks)Course Code: FZE01Tutors: Kamal ThapenFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £83.00
- Start Date: 06 Nov 2025End Date: 04 Dec 2025Thu (Daytime): 16:30 - 18:00In PersonFull fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £83.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is a general introduction to Alexander Technique, which is concerned with how a person uses themselves as a whole - mind and body - in everything they do. The technique can help you move and breathe with less effort, improve posture, be more focused and efficient, cope with stress better and be calmer and more confident. The Alexander Technique involves no specific exercises, requires no special equipment and can be practised wherever you are. It is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness.
What will we cover?
- How to become mindful of and how to use your body better during everyday activities, including sitting and standing, walking, lifting, bending, sitting at desks, lying down, speaking and breathing.
- Spatial awareness, balance, co-ordination, developing powers of observation and focusing.
- Anatomy and physiology where applicable.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify the Alexander principle that the way you use yourself influences how you function in everyday life.
- Recognise at least two habitual patterns of posture and movement which may be causing excessive tension, aches and pains, shallow breathing, restricted movement or stiff joints.
- Recognise how applying the Alexander Technique can help eliminate tension habits that interfere with poised natural body alignment and overall functioning and well-being.
- Practise the Alexander Technique in the classic semi-supine lying-down position.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous experience is necessary. The course is suitable for complete beginners in the Alexander Technique, as well as a refresher for people with previous experience, and as a compendium to one-to-one lessons. A basic understanding of English is required. You will need to be able to read short sentences and follow verbal instructions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The Alexander Technique is a practical method which involves the students participation through direct hands-on work from the teacher, self-observation and work in small groups and pairs, involving interactive games and application of everyday activities. Students are videoed at the start and at the end of the course to demonstrate development (although student can opt-out of this if they wish). Some anatomy and physiology may be introduced where applicable through movement work and occasionally using anatomical teaching models. The tutor may also have volunteer teaching assistants for extra hands-on work. You will be expected to do some simple homework between classes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no examinations, materials or extra costs. However, students are asked to wear loose comfortable clothing (trousers may be most suitable, especially for floor work). Suggested reading: Body learning by Michael Gelb; Use of the Self by F.M. Alexander: Alexander Technique in Everyday Activity by Seán Carey.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
As the Alexander Technique is usually taught on a one-to-one basis, you'll be given information on how to
continue learning. You may like to deepen your learning of the technique by enrolling for a further course at City Lit.
Kamal has been teaching the Alexander Technique for nearly 20 years. He used to suffer from persistent low back pain for many years and found the Alexander Technique the only way to obtain long-term relief. The personal benefit and growing interest in the Technique led him to train to teach it. He is a partner and teacher at the City Alexander Technique teacher training school in Old Street. He also runs a private teaching practice and has experience working with groups at the City Lit and South Thames College. He has been a Council member and Chair of STAT (Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique) and served on several STAT committees. He is presently a trustee of two charities connected to the Alexander Technique, The FM Alexander Trust and Friends of the Alexander Technique. Kamal comes from a background in engineering and business is a director of HITE Limited, which runs courses on the Alexander Technqiue. HITE has published 8 books on the Technique. Kamal is also a qualified Yang Style Tai Chi teacher and is featured in a Tai Chi DVD published by HITE.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
