Piano: Alexander Technique for pianists
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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: 07 Jul 2025End Date: 14 Jul 2025Mon (Daytime): 12:45 - 15:45In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)Course Code: ME920Tutors: Shelagh SutherlandFull fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £62.00
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?
The Alexander Technique, a proven method for increasing body awareness and movement efficiency, will help you develop healthier habits at the piano. The course will introduce key principles of the technique, followed by individualised guidance, working with the tutor infront of the group.
What will we cover?
Throughout this course, we will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Alexander Technique, History and Purpose
- Awareness, Freedom of Movement, and Balance
- The Importance of Posture and Alignment in Piano Playing and the effect this can have on Tone Control/Sound
- Understanding the Primary Control: Head-Neck-Back Relationship
- The Role of Inhibition and Direction in Movement.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the underlying concepts of the Alexander Technique, develop greater awareness of how you use your body at the piano, and be able to apply aspects of the technique to your playing in order to play with greater freedom and control.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Whether you're relatively new to the piano or an advanced pianist, this workshop will provide valuable tools to enhance both your pianism and general well-being.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
In each class you will receive one-on-one attention to refine your posture, alignment, and technique at the keyboard. You will learn how to release tension, increase flexibility, and achieve greater ease in your playing.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials for this course will be provided by the tutor and posted in Google Classroom, our virtual learning environment for students. You may also bring solo repertoire to work on with the tutor, and should be prepared to practise between sessions.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a wide range of piano classes from beginner to advanced levels. If you are new to City Lit piano classes, please refer to the piano department page: Choosing a piano class at City lit which lists our full sequence of piano classes.
Shelagh Sutherland is established as one of Britain's leading and most versatile pianists. She enjoys a varied scheduled freelancing with the major London orchestras, particularly the Philharmonia and the London Sinfonietta, while also having a busy teaching schedule at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and teaching Alexander Technique at the University of Surrey and now at Guildhall. Shelagh enjoys teaching students of all ages and especially at City Lit, where there is a wonderfully supportive environment for both staff and students, encouraging genuine learning and passionate interest in a wide variety of subjects. She has taught year-long courses and summer-school short courses at City Lit since 2008 and also co-ordinated the keyboard department at Junior Guildhall since 1990. Shelagh has performed in all major British festivals including the Proms, and has toured Europe, the USA, Canada and South America. She has recorded many solos works for BBC Radio 3. As a scholar at the Royal Academy of Music, she qualified in piano, singing and violin and was awarded a British Council Research Scholarship to specialist in Czech music in Prague.
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.