✨ Rafael's Journey with the Alexander Technique

My younger son, Rafael, is also a violinist and currently pursuing his Masters in Violin Performance at UC-CCM. During his Bachelor's, he frequently sought my guidance, and we often conducted lessons over Zoom. These sessions were mutually beneficial, and I cherished our time together.

Rafael has received mind-body input from me based on the Alexander Technique throughout his life. This technique has not only helped him relax but also navigate various challenges—from overcoming pain to handling relationship conflicts and even improving his video gaming skills in high school.

Despite starting violin at age 3, Rafael only became serious about it towards the end of high school. Entering music school, he realized he was at a disadvantage compared to peers who had been dedicated for longer. Fortunately, he had a “secret weapon”: his deepening understanding of the Alexander Technique, specifically Primal Alexander—a hands-free method to learn and practice AT.

✨ The Secret Weapon

When Rafael began applying my suggestions about the Alexander Technique to his violin practice, he quickly realized its value. Starting music school later than his peers, he felt at a disadvantage. But he knew he had a secret weapon: his deepening understanding of the Alexander Technique, specifically Primal Alexander (a hands-free method). This approach made his practice super-efficient and highly effective.

✨ Detailed Work on a Paganini Caprice

One day, during an impromptu Zoom session, Rafael asked for help with a passage in Paganini’s 5th Caprice. He struggled with quick scales running down the fingerboard from a high position on the E string. Everything seemed correct—fingerings, hand position, posture—yet he faced difficulties.

I asked him to slow down and apply his AT “Constructive Thinking” specifically, focusing on 2 or 3 notes at a time. After a few repetitions, Rafael had a light-bulb moment. He realized that during shifts, he stopped his Constructive Thinking, losing presence and awareness. This disconnect increased overall tension, resulting in imprecise movements.

✨ Let Go Instead of Trying Harder

When accuracy is inconsistent, musicians often try harder, increasing control over movements. However, the remedy lies in letting go. By staying present and aware, releasing overall tension, and maintaining a clear intention for the next note, one can achieve effortless control.

Initially, releasing tension might cause overshooting the note placement, as the brain unlearns tension habits and adopts new, freer movements. With practice, movements become more fluid, predictable, and reliable. Rafael’s discovery of his shifting interference in the Paganini piece was a celebration of his growing sensitivity to subtle changes in tension, helping him play with greater control and ease.

✨ What's Possible

This story offers insight into the subtle details my coaching students and I work on, leading to incredible, repeatable skill improvements. Increasing awareness of your intentions and actions allows you to notice when tension hampers progress and success.

Unlearning unhelpful habits and adopting new ones for effortless ease in playing is systematic and straightforward, though it requires commitment and patience. My students often learn quickly, finding the process almost magical.

✨ The Story of a New Student

I once had a new student who had only been in my introductory program for three weeks when he wrote this in our private membership community: “It’s beginning to work! I have never felt as much ease playing the guitar ever than I have today! Very exciting to be able to play again, best part is it can only get better 😉” So true!

✨ What About You?

If you're curious about how you can dramatically improve your skills with Primal Alexander and Constructive Thinking, access creative flow, and heal your mind and body from within, message me or email me at Jennifer@ArtofFreedom.me and ask me about my private coaching or group programs. We'll have a chat about what would be the best program for you, and pretty soon you'll be noticing surprising improvements for yourself. I look forward to hearing from you!