Cinda Thomas
Certified Alexander Technique Teacher
Voice Teacher

---

---

Contact Information:
Dr. Cinda Thomas
Private Studio
206 Rosewood Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228
(410) 719-1612
cindathomas@comcast.net

Student Comments about Alexander Technique, Alexander Technique and Musicians, and Alexander Technique and The Voice

Alexander Technique

My work as a sign language interpreter causes a great deal of physical stress on my arms and shoulders. I didn’t realize how much until I started working on the Alexander Technique with Dr. Thomas. The immediate and continued relief I’ve experienced while on the job and three freedom that the training has added to my singing has been a blessed surprise. The concepts of AT are applicable to so many areas in life.

I tried Alexander Technique to see if it could help me with recurring neck and shoulder pain. The pain got so bad at times that I would have to take prescription muscle relaxants. I also suffered frequently from jaw pain related to TMJ syndrome. Since I began studying AT over a year ago, I have been virtually free of neck and shoulder pain, and I have had no major TMJ flare-ups. I have not been to a doctor for these issues since starting AT, and I now take ibuprofen only occasionally, instead of daily. I remained free of this pain even while I was involved in a high-profile rush project at work, and under a great deal of stress. AT has made me much more aware of the tension that I tend to hold onto while hunched over the computer, and it has taught me how to rid myself of much of it. AT is also helping me to recover from a leg injury by making me aware of the tension that I am holding onto in the hip, knee, and ankle joints in my injured leg.

I was skeptical at first before I participated in a session. After that session, however, the benefits of Alexander Technique were enjoyably clear. I observed that I was moving and walking in a more relaxed and efficient manner when the session was finished. Also, due to the way I positioned myself to type at work, I habitually hold my left shoulder higher than my right, I wasn't even aware of this until I started the Alexander Technique lessons. After the sessions my shoulders are always in a relaxed, comfortable, natural and level position.

Alexander Technique has also improved my performance in Martial Arts. My breathing and execution of fighting techniques is smoother and more efficient. My performance of simple conditioning exercises like push-ups has also improved, so I get more out of my workouts.

After each lesson I feel taller, more relaxed, and my posture is better. These lessons have helped me to be aware of the muscles of my body, how I am using them in different activities, and how I should be using them. I used to carry my shoulders hunched inward and didn't realize it. Alexander Technique helps alleviate tension that you don't realize you are holding on to.

For the past 20 years I have dealt with physical discomfort on a daily basis. Alexander Technique has helped me to realize when my pain occurs that it is likely an indication, through repeating bad habits of breathing or rigid posture, I am allowing my body to hold onto stress. Once the cognitive process begins, Alexander's techniques allow me to reestablish a mental connection with my muscular system, release my old habits, and allow my skeleton and muscles to provide a more natural support for my entire frame.

Before Alexander Technique, I was often stressed and had many physical side effects from the stress (neck and back pain/tension, insomnia, carpal tunnel, etc.). Now that I have embraced Alexander Technique, many of these issues have subsided or been eliminated. In addition to positively affecting my personal and professional activities, Alexander Technique has also enabled me to improve my vocal performance, resulting in better resonance and breathing.

Alexander Technique and Musicians

Since beginning Alexander Technique, I have noticed a slow but steady shift in my awareness of how I use my body, allowing me more ease in my playing, calm in my thoughts, and efficiency in my use of energy.

AT has allowed me to dramatically reduce the stiffness and pain in my hands, back, shoulders, and overall body, after just a few lessons. As a musician, this has allowed me to have more freedom of movement and to survive longer practice sessions and performances without hurting for several days afterwards. I have seen a measureable physical change since beginning lessons — I lost full pronation in my left arm following breaking my arm and related surgery more than 10 years ago. I never fully recovered the movement. After a few lessons with AT I had recovered full pronation, with ease! I’ve also had noticeable reduction in pain and trouble with carpal tunnel and other nerve-entrapment issues. It’s amazing how simple it is to affect changes if you simply work to remember to do it.

Alexander Technique and The Voice

When I began studying voice with Dr. Thomas 18 months ago, I could barely make a sound. I was stressed out, and my body was very tense. I relied on old, bad habits to force the sound out. Dr. Thomas started me with Alexander Technique lessons. Through these lessons, I began to recognize the parts of my body that were tense, and then began to allow those tense parts to relax. We progressed slowly through these lessons and gradually added voice lessons. I began to feel freedom in my voice and my body. Now I’m not only able to make sounds again, but I can sing!

Alexander Technique has been a wonderful “awakening” for me into the unconscious habits and postures that have been causing me considerable discomfort and vocal fatigue. I am so grateful for the healing that has come about as I practice concepts of AT. It’s allowed me to sing again—what joy!

Dr. Thomas is a very warm, honest and professional. I’ve had this fear of singing but she makes me feel safe. I always leave my lesson feeling good and more relaxed. Not only with my voice, but with myself as a whole. (Thanks to the AT, which is an added bonus!)

I physically feel better, specifically my neck and shoulder areas. What I have noticed most is when I have finished a stressful singing event (audition or performance) I do not feel any residual discomfort in the areas where I typically got tight. I credit my ability to relieve that tension before hand and then to monitor my body during the event to Alexander Technique. Alexander Technique has begun to provide me with the tools that I use to relax before auditions and performances. During a concert performance recently, an audience member commented on how relaxed, peaceful, and confident I appeared as I sat on stage waiting to sing. In comparison to my fellow performers, I appeared more at ease. My coach has noticed a dramatic change in my sound and has commented often on how my voice is sounding larger yet relaxed.

The Alexander Technique is extremely helpful if not crucial to vocal development. I used to be extremely tight, not just while singing, but during many non-singing activities. Alexander Technique training has made me more aware of this tightness and helped me to loosen up. I have also become aware of my tendency to overwork when singing, which in turn has enabled me to work less and then my sound improves. Singing has become increasingly easier. The Alexander Technique is almost a necessity for those interested in pursuing a vocal career.

Through my study of the Alexander Technique I notice tension while singing but am able to release it. I find a comfortable stance that doesn't feel like I'm holding myself up. Some vocal problems I was having (hoarseness and loss of low register) are being solved. Initially I thought the problems were from allergies and reflux, but instead I've discovered that I have laryngeal tension from poor habits. I now can't imagine studying voice or singing without Alexander Technique.

Alexander Technique has helped me to sing more easily, to push less, and to allow the voice to naturally occur rather than making it do what I want.

With Alexander Technique I am able to find more resonance in my voice and more ease while singing. I have also learned how to maintain good vocal health while allowing the sound to be richer.

Alexander Technique has helped me to be less tight in my ribs, throat, and abdomen. My singing isn't as pushed or forced. I feel fabulous after an Alexander Technique lesson.

My work with Alexander Technique has improved my singing voice. I've become aware of tension in my knees, hips and shoulders that was making singing more difficult and less free and I hadn't even been feeling it. Alexander Technique helps to release the tension and I definitely observe in myself a greater ease of breath. It is easier to sustain high notes and my voice doesn't tire as quickly.

---

Alexander Technique | Vocal Studies | AT Lessons & Workshops | About Cinda
Student Comments | Professional Organizations | More AT Links