Category Archives: Group Courses

Workshop for the Woodwind MUSICIANS of the Teesside Orchestra and the Silverwood Band

I taught another workshop with a lovely group of people from the Teesside Symphony Orchestra and the Silverwood Band. They played the flute , clarinet, oboe , bassoon and saxophone . We explored the Alexander Technique and how it helps you play in an easier way with less tension and helps you connect to the audience and reduce stage fright.

1/2 day workshop with 3 Army bands

I taught the Alexander Technique to 21 soldiers who are members of 3 Army bands. Namely The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, The Band of the Corps of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and the Reme Band. The Alexander Technique is taught worldwide in Music Colleges e.g Royal School of Music to help avoid creating pain when playing, improve technique and quality o f playing, having more stage presence and connecting with the audience, gain more control of breathing, and help performance nerves.

The first part of the workshop was looking at the Principles of the Technique in a experiential , practical fun way including Inhibition and Direction, Primary Control and Expanded Awareness

Playing with Kosh balls being aware of your body and maybe deciding not to catch. Making eye contact as you throw and catch.


Everyone lay in semi supine and found it very beneficial as it helped them relax and ease any back ache.

Semi supine .

We then looked at how people stand or sit when playing their instruments which included a bass trombone, trombones, bugles, trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, electric guitars, tuber, and a flute .

Playing a bugle

Comments about the workshop:-

Great workshop . Lots to think about and do. Thank you.

I feel relaxed. Have a greater understanding of how my body works.

It was helpful to be conscious of how I move standing and sitting. I found it beneficial having corrections to my posture whilst standing holding my instrument.

Residential Alexander Technique and Walking Course in The Lake District 2019

Monday 3rd June – Friday 7th June  2019

to be held at

The Glenthorne Guest House and Conference Centre Easedale Road Grasmere Cumbria LA22 9QH

www.glenthorne.org

 

Come along and join Hilary in the stunning scenery of the Lake District  to explore the Alexander Technique and Walking. The course starts at 5.30 pm on Monday 3rd June and finishes at 12.30 pm on Friday  7th  June.

We will look at our skeleton through anatomy and movement discovering a more accurate map of ourselves. In addition we will look at the Principles of the Alexander Technique in a practical, fun and experiential way helping you improve your posture, de-stress, ease back ache as well as moving with less effort and tension. The course will run in the lovely  spacious Conference Centre as well as in the garden , weather permitting.

We will also apply the Alexander Technique when we go for gentle walks in the beautiful garden and countryside around Grasmere.

Hilary will be offering one to one sessions on Tuesday 4th June and Wednesday 5th June in the  afternoon at an additional cost.

There will be free time to enjoy the area and just relax and unwind. Glenthorne is just a few minute’s walk from Grasmere village.

This course is suitable for beginners and as a refresher for students of the Alexander Technique as well as Alexander teachers and trainees.

Bring a mat to lie on, a few thin paperback books, walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers and a rucksack. If you have any walking poles bring them along too and learn how to use them using the Alexander Technique.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:-

All Alexander Technique sessions with Hilary Cook MSTAT a fully qualified, experienced, insured and CRB checked Alexander Teacher teacher.

Four night’s accommodation in twin rooms with full board including tea and freshly made cakes. There is always a vegetarian option available and special dietary needs can usually be catered for but please advise at time of booking.

Most rooms are ensuite. There are a few non-ensuite rooms available at a discount of £5 per night.

12 places available

Cost £440

For further information  about the course please contact Hilary

teacher@hilarycookat.co.uk

tel.01748 824160

mob.07941526662

To book a place

please go to www.glenthorne.org

email info@glenthorne.org

tel.015394 35389

A £40 deposit is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due when you are on the course.

 

Group Courses

 New Year’s Resolution for 2016

I would like to improve my posture to help my backache.

Come along to an Introductory 6 week Alexander Technique Course and learn how the Technique can help you become aware of your habits which are interfering with your natural effortless way of moving alleviating pain and stress.. The course is practical and will include the principles of the Technique and anatomy in  a fun and experiential way.

Alexander Technique weekend course
Group of alexander technique pupils lying in semi supine

Starts Thursday 7th January 2016 10-11.30am at Skeeby Village Hall , Richmond.

Cost £66 (a non- refundable deposit of £15 is payable at the time of booking and the balance is due by 5th January)

 

6 WEEK INTRODUCTORY COURSE

Do you have back pain, neck ache, stress and aches and pains through the day then come along to my course and learn the Alexander Technique. I will help you become aware of your habits which are interfering with your natural effortless way of moving. The course is practical and will include the principles of the Technique and anatomy in  a fun and experiential way.

Beginner’s Course starting Monday 21st September

Intermediate Course starting Thursday 17th September

10am -11.30am at Skeeby Village Hall Richmond North Yorkshire DL10 5DY

Bring a mat and a few paperback books and wear loose fitting clothing preferably trousers.

Cost £66