The Alexander Technique is now well established and teachers find themselves working in many different environments, from Drama and Music colleges, private practice to Sport or Health clubs. The Technique is taught to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and for a wide variety of reasons.

The Alexander Technique College (ATC) aims to prepare people for the challenge of joining a fast growing profession that offers great personal satisfaction as well as service to others.

F.M. Alexander began teaching his Technique during the last decade of the nineteenth century. Our aim is to build on the great wealth of experience and knowledge that has accumulated for over one hundred years and has been passed on to us by teachers of the previous generation who worked closely with F.M. himself. At the same time we want to prepare new teachers for the realities of professional life in the very different social climate of the new millennium. We offer a solid, classical foundation based firmly on the principles and philosophy of The Alexander Technique. The course is of three years duration and training time is a minimum of 1600 hours over the three years. This is in accordance with the rules of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) who have approved the course.

There are three terms per year and as far as possible dates coincide with state school term dates. Classes are in the morning, Monday to Thursday each week. Each class starts at 9-00am and ends at 1-30pm, with a short break in the middle.

Current dates are:

CURRICULUM

At ATC the core curriculum is informed by Carolyn's Masters research study in the Specialised Use of The Hands in Alexander Technique. In addition the core curriculum is in line with the emerging Competencies document for Alexander teachers. This is a long term project undertaken by STAT and Carolyn has been involved in the developmental process.

Core curriculum consists of continuous training and practice in improving the trainees own use so that they have a reliably good standard of use and can be expected to go on improving after they have left the training course. Naturally this implies that they are given an understanding of how to go on working on themselves. This involves a developing understanding of the basic concepts of the Technique, both kinaesthetically and intellectually, these include:

• Primary Control
• Inhibition. Direction
• Non-endgaining and means-whereby. Non-doing. Faulty sensory appreciation
• Use and functioning. Psychophysical integration
  
  

Training in the established procedures of teaching the Technique. These include:

• Chair work
• Table work

Chair and table work involve learning to use one's hands well as a teacher, and this is a fundamental aspect of Alexander teacher training. It needs to be taught under close supervision from experienced teachers, as it is the heart of the whole training.

We deal with this in small groups, usually three or four students together, and we guide them through a step-by-step programme over the first two years of the course. In this programme simple practices become the foundation from which more complex skills can develop. It is a steady, well worked-out discipline, like a musician learning scales, which needs to be established before students become able to work more fluidly as they get towards the end of their training.

In addition, there are other procedures, which serve several purposes. These are: Monkey Hands on back of chair Whispered Ah Going up on the toes Saddle work Processes that help illuminate some aspect of the Technique Processes that can be used to help students observe and improve their own use Processes that can be used in teaching to help a pupil. Study of F.M. Alexander's books and of some of the other more recent books on the Technique Study of Anatomy and Physiology

Throughout the course classes and exercises are given to develop verbal and written fluency in presenting the Alexander Technique.

Students are expected to work on themselves both during course hours and outside of course hours, and they have access to a substantial library of relevant books and articles.

The first year of the training focuses on the individual students learning to improve their own self-awareness and use. This is an indispensable pre-requisite for teaching improved use to others. Alongside this there is study of basic anatomy and physiology and the written works of F.M. Alexander. A study book is given to each student outlining the aims of the year and how to make the most of training.

The second year focuses more on developing the refined manual skills and physical procedures that have been evolved to pass on the Alexander Technique. Considerable class hours are required to develop in the trainees the acute sensitivity of touch required for this work. Concurrently there is further study of anatomy, physiology and related literature to give the trainees sufficient knowledge to understand the intellectual and scientific concepts underlying their work. A study book is given to each student with the aims of the second year and how to prepare for moderation and on-going study.

The third year focuses on the practical problems of Alexander teaching. The trainees progress from practicing on each other to supervised practice on members of the public. The habits of disciplined self-awareness developed in the first two years are put to the test in this situation, as the trainees must maintain good use in themselves if they are to have the sensitivity required to help a new private student. Development of verbal teaching and presentation skills is also included, and there is continuing study of Core Curriculum, as in the previous years. The third year study book orientates students towards graduation and teaching.

Entry Requirements

Personal experience of the Alexander Technique, usually at least thirty lessons. If however this is not possible, for geographical or other reasons, and you wish to be considered for training, please contact us.

Some work experience that suggests ability to communicate with people.

There is an interview process with head of training Carolyn Nicholls that consists of prospective candidates visiting the course, and having a private lesson with Carolyn. There is a normal lesson fee payable but no charge for visiting the course.

Overseas Students

In the case of students applying from overseas, where a visit is impractical, we may ask for a reference from your teacher. In the unusual circumstances where a teacher is not available in your country, please contact us, as it may be possible to offer you a place on a probationary basis.

FINANCIAL OPTIONS

Trainees who are accepted by ATC may apply for a Career Development Loan (CDL) to fund part of their fees. Information is available from the course. Please note that this option is not available to overseas students. No scholarships or bursaries are awarded.

How to Apply

In the first instance, you should contact the director of training, Carolyn Nicholls, either by telephone 01273 562595, or email, carolyn.nicholls@btinternet.com

Language Skills

The course is taught entirely in English. For their own benefit, students from non-English speaking countries should ensure they have acquired sufficient knowledge of English when they begin training to follow instructions from teachers.

Qualification

The Alexander Technique's main professional body, the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), which was founded shortly after F.M.'s death in 1955, approves the course and successful graduates will receive certification by STAT, in addition to certification by The Alexander Technique College.

STAT certification entitles the holder to membership of the society, for an annual fee. Benefits of membership include:

• Access to the societiey's office for information and advice
• Group professional insurance rates organised by the society
• Access to Continued Professional Education (CPE) courses and workshops organised by the society's CPE committee
• Listing on a professional membership register available to the public
• Regular receipt of STATnews and The Alexander Journal (professional publications)
• Voting rights at the societies' AGM
• Membership of the largest professional body of Alexander Technique teachers world-wide

Accreditation

The Open College Network has accredited the course at Level 4+. See Accreditation for full details.

Premises and Environment

The training course runs at The Rox School of Dance and Drama in Hove. This is a delightful, large suite of well-appointed rooms, attractively presented. There are several small shops and cafes nearby and Hove's Western Road with all its shops is a ten-minute walk away.

Hove is approximately one hour by train from London. The Rox School is directly north of Hove station, approx. 2 minutes walk.

Buses run from Hove station to Brighton Town Centre.