F M Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian actor who, as a young man, became increasingly troubled by hoarseness when he recited on stage. After almost completely losing his voice, he pioneered a method of improving the 'use' of himself and cured his vocal problems without medical aid. His experiments led to the development of the technique which now bears his name.

Alexander came to London in 1910 and introduced his technique to many famous people of the day: Aldous Huxley, John Dewey, Sir Henry Irving, and George Bernard Shaw were among his many pupils. Nobel-prize winner Nicholas Tinbergen hailed the Technique as 'the first clinical physiology for the living human being'.

Famous people today who have benefited from the Technique include Sir Paul McCartney, Sting, Princess Diana and John Cleese. The technique is on the curriculum of all the major music and drama colleges in the UK. Many sports people have also benefited from lessons in the Technique.

Alexander using his
hands on a pupil.

Alexander working
with John Dewey.