APR 11 - MAY 4

Spring Classes: The Alexander Technique for Actors and Singers

A small group class for 4 performers - limited enrollment!

CLASS DATES:

4 Thursdays, 12:30-2pm:
BASICS (for all levels of AT experience)
Apr 11, 18, 25 & May 4

Learn the fundamentals of the Alexander Technique in a personalized, supportive small group environment designed specifically for the needs of performers. In this 4-week series, you will receive individual hands-on guidance in the Alexander Technique, a self-care method that has helped people enhance performance, alleviate stress, ease back and neck pain, and cultivate freer breathing for over a century.  We will devote special attention to breathing using The Art of Breathing method. Discover how you can put the technique’s powerful tools to work in your own performances and auditions to calm nerves and reduce habitual tensions that can interfere with accessing your fullest performing potential. Classes will explore the basic Alexander principles, and each week participants will have the opportunity to share work while receiving guidance in the technique in a relaxed, non-competitive setting. 

Class size limited to 4.

Cost: $160 for one series of four classes. 

Location: Union Square, Manhattan

Register: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com

FEB 17

“Exploring Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing” Workshop with Kelley Schoger

I’ll be co-leading a free zoom workshop for Alexander teachers, trainees and interested students on “Exploring Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing” presented by the American Society for the Alexander Technique. I’m delighted to offer this with my wonderful colleague & fellow certified Art of Breathing instructor Kelley Schoger (Associate Professor of Acting & Movement at University of Alabama) as she visits NYC, so we’ll be teaching in the room together! 

We’ll demo some hands-on techniques, guide an exploration for participants, and share foundational principles and practical ways this incredible breathing method enlivens our approach to teaching. Whether you are new to the Art of Breathing or well-versed in it, all are welcome to come breathe easy.

Full class info/registration here!

JAN 2024

Faculty at David Geffen School of Drama at Yale

I’m delighted to share that I have joined the faculty of Yale University in their David Geffen School of Drama MFA program for actors. I am a Lecturer in Acting, teaching Alexander Technique alongside my colleagues Bill Connington and Fabio Tavares. It is an honor to join such a wonderful community of faculty and students in New Haven!

JUL 2023

Chair Elect, The American Society for the Alexander Technique

In July I was elected the Chair Elect of the American Society for the Alexander Technique, the largest national professional organization of certified Alexander teachers in the United States, which I have been a member of for 13 years. I will serve in this cycle for 3 years, moving from Chair Elect into Chair in the summer of 2024. I am honored to give back to this important organization whose mission is to establish the AT as a basic and recognized resource for health, productivity, and well-being, and to welcome new audiences to learn about AT through their wonderful member teachers, who must meet the most-rigorous standards in the country in order to earn the “m.AmSAT” teaching designation.

JUN 15 - 25

Faculty at Respiro Opera, NYC Summer Intensive

This June I completed my 6th year as faculty of Respiro Opera in NYC at Opera America - this is a wonderful week every summer for me and for the singers! Respiro is an intensive training for opera singers which focuses on “freeing the body, freeing the breath, freeing the voice” through hands-on Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, yoga and more. The wonderful vocal coach/pianist LeAnn Overton heads the whole thing, and there was an absolutely terrific group of singers this year. Below are some pics from our first class!

DEC 8 & 15

Special Open Classes for All

I'm offering two single small group classes open to all in Dec! Whether you've taken a class already, or just wonder what they are all about - all levels of AT experience are welcome.

Renew your energy with AT explorations and a guided lie-down. Each person can try an activity of your choice (like sitting at your desk, standing or a yoga pose - performers are welcome to share their work) while getting hands-on guidance in a supportive, informal setting.

Participants must be fully vaccinated & masks will be worn in class.

Dates:
Thurs, Dec 8: 1-2:45pm
Thurs, Dec 15: 1-2:45pm
Location: Union Square
Fee: $40 per class. Sign up for one or both.

To register: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com to register.
Limited to 5 participants - advanced reservations required! 

JUN 18 - 26

Faculty at Respiro Opera, NYC Summer Intensive

In Aug, for the 5th year, I'll serve on the faculty of Respiro Opera, a wonderful intensive training program for singers in NYC, which focuses on easeful breathing and physical freedom through hands-on Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, yoga and more. The program is headed by the terrific vocal coach/pianist LeAnn Overton, and will be back in person this summer with a terrific group of emerging artists at Opera America!

JAN 8 & 15

Online Workshop: Self-Care for the New Year

To celebrate a new year, you are invited to set aside some time to recharge, breathe and be present. Classes will include guided restorative rest, easeful breathing explorations, and activities for calming and energizing your whole being in this mid-day reset. You'll take away some simple, beneficial practices that you can do on your own.

Dates: Friday Jan 8 and/or Jan 15
Time: Noon-1:15 Eastern

Class Fee: Any Single Class - $30/Any Two Classes - $50

(Two class discount may be combined with performer classes below. Two packs must be purchased together.)

All classes meet on Zoom, are limited to 5 participants, and are for all levels of AT experience, including those new to AT.

To register or for questions, contact Eleanor.

JAN 22 & 29

Online Workshop: "AT for Performers" Open Classes

I'm offering two single small group classes just for performers: whether you've taken a class already, or just wonder what it's all about - all levels of AT experience are welcome! We'll do some AT explorations, enjoy a guided lie-down, and each participant can share a bit of work (text or song) and receive teacher guidance in a supportive, informal setting.

Dates: Fri Jan 22 and/or Jan 29
Time: Noon-1:30 Eastern

Class Fee: Single Class - $30/Any Two Classes - $50

(Two class discount may be combined with self-care classes above. Two packs must be purchased together.)

All classes meet on Zoom, are limited to 5 participants, and are for all levels of AT experience, including those new to AT.

To register or for questions, contact Eleanor.

JUN 25 - 29

Faculty at ONE VOICE Course in Integrative Studies IX

WORKING ACROSS BOUNDARIES IN THEATRE, MUSIC AND DANCE

I’m delighted to join the faculty of One Voice Centre for the first time this June for their intensive summer course, led by directors Joan Melton and Jennie Morton. The Centre aims to integrate the “one voice” of singing and speaking with movement and theatre, working across genres and styles, and incorporating the latest voice research with putting theory into practice for actors, directors, singers, dancers and choreographers. This year’s intensive will meet online with a wonderful international faculty of voice, theatre and movement professionals.

Watch what One Voice is all about here!

Registration still open at https://www.joanmelton.com/one-voice-course-integrative-studies-ix

JUL 10-24

Online Workshop: Breathe Easier with the Alexander Technique

With Kristin Mozeiko & Eleanor Taylor

You can improve how you breathe! Breathing is on everyone’s mind as people ask “how can I maintain respiratory health during the pandemic?” Learn how Alexander Technique’s “respiratory re-education” supports wellness and stress reduction, letting you take charge of your well-being. In this 3-week sequential online class develop awareness of your own breathing habits, learn techniques, and receive information supported by the latest science for improving health and functioning, and lowering anxiety in today’s world.

Explore Alexander breathing to:

• · Recharge as you work in your home/office

• · Reduce stress

• · Improve sleep

• · Adapt to wearing masks and more

This class is open to students at all levels of Alexander Technique experience including those new to the technique. Maximize your ability to breathe well! Walk away with practical tools and calming practices that you can use at home!

Dates: Fridays, Jul 10th, 17th & 24th

Time: 12-1:15pm

Fee: $70 for 3 classes ($35 for RIAT trainees)

To register: Sign up here. Pre-registration required. Any questions, email me or Kristin.

JUL 31-AUG 14

Online Workshop: The Embodied Voice: Learn to Use your Voice and Self Well with the Alexander Technique

With Kristin Mozeiko & Eleanor Taylor

Set your voice free! Many people struggle to feel confident with their speaking voice. In the time of remote communication, using your voice for sustained periods with ease and clarity is crucial to work and personal interactions online. Out in the world, face masks can further hinder communication and breathing. In this 3-week sequential online class, you will uncover your natural voice and free it from interfering tensions that hinder confident communication. As you learn to use your whole self well, you’ll start feeling better about much more than your voice!

Learn simple techniques to:

• Improve your speaking voice and the way you speak

• Reduce strain on the voice 

• Eliminate harmful speaking habits and support vocal health

• Alleviate jaw tension and improve overall coordination

• Promote easeful breathing to reduce anxiety while speaking & enhance voice quality

This class is open to students at all levels of AT experience including those new to the technique. Unlock your full speaking potential!

 Dates: Friday,  Jul 31st, Aug 7th, & 14th

Time: 12-1:15pm

Fee: $70 for 3 classes ($35 for RIAT trainees.)

To register: Sign up here. Pre-registration required. Any questions, email me or Kristin.

SPRING 2020

Teaching Studio Goes Virtual

During this time of social distancing, my teaching studio has moved online. I am seeing students for private lessons and classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, as well as finishing my academic year at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and training teachers at the Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique.

If you’d like to book a session or are interested in a group class, please email me.

Online Study:

How do these work?

After having Alexander in person in the studio (or simply knowing how it is traditionally taught), you may wonder!

I am seeing students over Zoom on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays.

In an online session we:

• Make time for you – a chance to schedule an hour in your week to undo rather than do

• Go through beneficial Alexander activities you do in the studio: guided sitting, standing, walking, moving and lie downs

Apply AT to:

* Reducing stress and anxiety *

* Improve your natural breathing coordination for respiratory health *

* Optimizing your home work/communication setup *

* Strategies to sustain longer hours with screens with greater ease and focus *

* For performers: using AT in acting, singing & movement * 

remember what you know * apply it to your life now * take time to reset

JAN 16 - FEB 21

Winter Classes: The Alexander Technique for Actors & Singers

A small group class for 4 performers - limited enrollment!

CLASS DATES:

4 Fridays, 11am-12:30pm Jan 31, Feb 7, 14 & 21 - BASICS*

OR

4 Thursdays, 11am-12:30pm: Jan 16, 23, 30 & Feb 6 - ADVANCED*

Learn the fundamentals of the Alexander Technique in a personalized, supportive small group environment designed specifically for the needs of performers. In this 4-week series, you will receive individual hands-on guidance in the Alexander Technique, a self-care method that has helped people enhance performance, alleviate stress, ease back and neck pain, and cultivate freer breathing for over a century.  We will devote special attention to breathing using The Art of Breathing method. Discover how you can put the technique’s powerful tools to work in your own performances and auditions to calm nerves and reduce habitual tensions that can interfere with accessing your fullest performing potential. Classes will explore the basic Alexander principles, and each week participants will have the opportunity to share work while receiving guidance in the technique in a relaxed, non-competitive setting. 

Class size limited to 4.

*BASICS groups are appropriate for all levels of experience, particularly those new to the technique or those who want a refresher in the basic concepts. ADVANCED is for students who have taken at least two previous series, or have equivalent experience with the technique.

Cost: $160 for one series of four classes. 

Location: Union Square, Manhattan

Register: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com

DEC 18 & 19

Special Open Classes: “Self-Care for the Holidays” and “AT for Performers”

Self-Care for the Holidays

Date: Wed, Dec 18th: 10:30-noon

Feeling frazzled this time of year? Set aside some time for yourself, to recharge, breathe and be present with this special class. You’ll experience restorative rest, my top tips to combat holiday stress, and leave with some new tools for moving forward and UP into the new year.

Alexander Technique for Performers

Date: Thurs, Dec 19th: 11am-12:45pm

I'm also offering a single small group class just for performers: whether you've taken a class already, or just wonder what it's all about - all levels of AT experience are welcome! We'll do some AT explorations, enjoy a guided lie-down, and each participant can share a bit of work (text or song) while getting hands-on guidance in a supportive, informal setting.

Both classes limited to 5 participants, and are for all levels of AT experience, including those new to AT.

Location: Union Square
Fee: $40 for either class

Register: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com

JUN 26-30

Play On! Workshops at AmSAT’s Annual Conference, Columbia University

I’ll present two workshops with my fellow committee members from the AmSAT Committee for the Alexander Technique in the Performing Arts at AmSAT’s Annual Conference at Columbia University. Play On! Games for Teaching Alexander Technique to Performing Artists will invite teachers to diversify and expand their teaching repertoire in a playful and purposeful exploration of games and activities as teaching tools for working effectively with actors, dancers and musicians. Erin O’Leary, Kelley Schoger, Beth Robinson and I will talk about how we incorporate games into our academic curricula and will lead games for participants to experience and discuss. Open to teaching members of AmSAT - participants must register in advance here.

JUN 17

Workshop at Robin Morse’s ‘Sondheim into Summer’ Class

I’m very happy to join my wonderful colleague from Manhattan School of Music’s Musical Theatre department Robin Morse as a guest teacher to present an introductory workshop to her students in her ‘Sondheim into Summer’ class, held Monday evenings in June at MSM. The whole class will do some AT explorations and I’ll work with several of the singers in their repertoire - should be a terrific evening!

JUN 7 - 16

Faculty at Respiro Opera, NYC Summer Intensive

In June, I'll return as faculty of Respiro Opera, an intensive training program for singers in NYC, which focuses on easeful breathing and physical freedom through hands-on Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, yoga and more. I’ll offer a special class for the singers on applying AT to auditions and performance, and my colleague Lori Schiff from the Juilliard School will also be working with the students over the course of the week. The program is headed by the wonderful vocal coach/pianist LeAnn Overton, and I'm looking forward to working with the dozen talented classical singers selected from auditions in March as they apply AT to their performances.

MAY 12

Masterclass for University of Michigan Musical Theatre program, NYC

I'm delighted to be offering an AT workshop for the second year in conjunction with the graduates' Industry Showcase in NYC, for the senior class in the Michigan Musical Theatre program.  After an amazing year with my talented students at the Manhattan School of Music's Musical Theatre program, I'm very excited to get to know another group of future Broadway performers and explore the intersection of Alexander and performance with them!

FEB 16

The Whole Performer: An Alexander Approach to Common Challenges for Singers Workshop at the Freedom to Make Music Conference

I'm looking forward to presenting a NEW workshop, "The Whole Performer: An Alexander Approach to Common Challenges for Singers," as part of the Freedom to Make Music Conference, a conference on Music & Alexander Technique on Sat, Feb 16th at 1:45pm in Manhattan. We'll look at common singer complaints: jaw tension, breath issues, using excessive physical effort, not feeling grounded, and being ”in your head” while singing, and match them with AT approaches to help. I'll also work with singers who'd like to volunteer to work on applying what they've learned in a piece of their choice in front of the group.

Workshop Description: The Alexander Technique is uniquely positioned to help singers with their most common concerns that impede radiant performance: jaw tension, breath issues, using excessive physical effort, not feeling grounded, and being ”in your head” while singing. AT was created by a professional actor who needed to solve a voice problem in performance: F.M. Alexander healed himself from habitual tensions that were derailing his theatrical career more than a century ago, and taught his technique to others looking for the same results.

In this experiential workshop, we’ll look at each of those common issues for singers, and match them with AT practices that can help. Find balanced ease in your whole body and breath, and learn simple, practical tools to redirect habits that keep you from showing your fullest potential in auditions and performances. All participants will have the opportunity to practice the tools in the group.

For the second half of the workshop, singers may bring a brief memorized audition piece if they’d like to volunteer to work in front of the group and receive hands-on guidance in applying these ideas to performance. This workshop is for singers at any point in their training or career, and AT practitioners or other teachers interested in exploring ways to apply AT tools to common performance pitfalls.

The conference focuses on Singers and Pianists, and features many wonderful presentations geared towards those groups. Single workshops are $40-50, or register for the whole weekend to immerse yourself in AT for performance. Click for more info and registration. Hope to see you there!

JAN 5

Radiant Auditioning: Poised for a Great Beginning Workshop at the Freedom to Act Conference

I'll present a new workshop "Radiant Auditioning: Poised for a Great Beginning"  as part of the Freedom to Act Conference on Acting & the Alexander Technique on Sat, Jan 5 at 9am in Manhattan.  This is a small group workshop, so enrollment is limited by the conference.

Workshop Description: It is common to feel rushed during an audition, and find that it is over before you are ready to begin. Learn how make the most of your pre-audition minutes so you are poised and ready to go the moment you arrive in front of the audition panel. In this experiential small group workshop, set the stage for balanced ease in your body and breath, and explore a step-by-step process using the Alexander Technique to calm nerves, focus energy, and begin auditions with presence and vibrancy.

Performers may bring a brief memorized audition piece if they’d like to volunteer to work in front of the group, and all participants will have the opportunity to practice the tools in the group.

For actors at any point in their training or career, and AT practitioners or other teachers interested in exploring ways to apply AT tools to the actor’s pre-audition process.  

The conference theme is "The Actor's Audition Preparation for Success", and features many wonderful presenters including Erin O'Leary, Jean-Louis Rodrigue and more. Single workshops are $40-50, or register for the whole weekend to immerse yourself in AT for performance. Click for more info and registration. Hope to see you there!

Dec 6 & 13

Special Open Classes for Performers

"AT for Actors and Singers" classes are taking a holiday until late January, but in response to requests I'm offering a couple of one-off small groups. Whether you've taken a class already, or just been wondering what they are all about - all levels of AT experience are welcome! 

We'll do some AT explorations, refresh and restore with a guided lie-down, and each participant can share a bit of work (text or song) if they like while getting hands-on guidance in a supportive, informal setting. 

Dates:
Thurs, Dec 6: 11am-12:45pm
Thurs, Dec 13: 11am-12:45pm
Location: Union Square
Fee: $35 per class. Sign up for one or both.

Limited to 5 participants.  Drop me a line if you are interested in a spot - advanced reservations required! 

OCT 6

"Free the Body, Free the Breath, Free the Voice" Workshop at National Opera Association's Eastern Regional Conference

My Respiro Opera colleagues LeAnn Overton, Barbara Fusco-Spera and Jan Prokop and I will present a workshop at the National Opera Association's Eastern Regional Conference on Sat. Oct. 6 at 9:30am at the National Opera Center, Manhattan. This whole day will be filled with amazing events from the opera world, culminating in a special masterclass for singers by one of my terrific colleagues from the Manhattan School of Music, voice teacher Claudia Catania.  View the whole conference schedule and register to attend here. 

AUG 4

"Radiant Auditioning: The 4 Key Moments" Workshop at University of Chicago at Illinois School of Theatre & Music

I'll present my workshop "Radiant Auditioning: The 4 Key Moments" for the students in the acting program at UIC that is open to the public for participation or just to observe. The class will be held from 3-5pm on Sat Aug 4th at the School of Theatre & Music building on the UIC campus, 1040 W. Harrison St. in their Studio Theatre, Room L467. Click here for more details or to register to attend if you are in the Chicago area!

JUL 17 & AUG 8

Brooklyn Opera Works' Summer Vocal Arts Program Workshops

I'll be returning to the Brooklyn Opera Works Summer Vocal Arts intensive for two masterclasses at the Brooklyn Music School.  I'll present an introduction to AT for singers in the vocal arts program, directed by Lina Tetriani, and do hands-on work with the artists as they prepare for upcoming performances of John Blow's Venus & Adonis and Christopher Cerrone's All Wounds Bleed. 

JUN 15 - 24

Faculty at Respiro Opera, NYC Summer Intensive

In June, I'll serve on the faculty of Respiro Opera, an intensive training program for singers in NYC, which focuses on easeful breathing and physical freedom through hands-on Alexander Technique, Body Mapping, yoga and more. The program is headed by the wonderful vocal coach/pianist LeAnn Overton, and I'm looking forward to working with the dozen talented classical singers we selected from auditions in March as they apply AT to their performances.

MAY 13

Masterclass for University of Michigan Musical Theatre program, NYC

I'm delighted to be offering an AT workshop in conjunction with the graduates' Industry Showcase in NYC, for the senior class in the Michigan Musical Theatre program.  After an amazing year with my talented students at the Manhattan School of Music's Musical Theatre program, I'm very excited to get to know another group of future Broadway performers and explore the intersection of Alexander and performance with them!

JAN 7

Radiant Auditioning: The 4 Key Moments Workshop at the Freedom to Act Conference

I'll present a new workshop "Radiant Auditioning: The 4 Key Moments"  as part of the Freedom to Act Conference on Acting & the Alexander Technique on Sunday, Jan 7 at 10am in Manhattan. 

Workshop Description: A great audition can be energizing, allowing you to be present, open and able to show what you can do. In this experiential workshop, we look at 4 “key moments” in auditioning, and learn specific tools the Alexander Technique offers to balance mind, body and breath at each of those points in time that can pave the way for vibrant performance. Participants will explore simple methods to focus energy, calm nerves, and deepen connection to your instrument for more ease and pleasure in auditioning. Performers may bring a brief memorized audition piece, and all participants will have the opportunity to practice the tools in the group. Some volunteers may also work in front of the group.  

The conference theme is "The Actor's Preparation: Building Roles and Daily Practice", and features many wonderful presenters including Jessica Wolf (Yale), Carolyn Serota & Richard Feldman (Juilliard), Erin O'Leary (Julliard, AADA) and more. Single workshops are $40-50, or register for the whole weekend to immerse yourself in AT for performance. Click for more info and registration. Hope to see you there!

FALL 2017

Alexander Technique Faculty at the Manhattan School of Music

I'm thrilled to share that this fall I'm joining the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music in NYC! I'll be teaching Alexander Technique at the conservatory as part of the Musical Theatre division. Looking forward to working with the talented undergraduate singer-actors there as AT becomes part of the core musical theatre training at MSM.

JUL 17

BMS Summer Vocal Arts Program Workshop for Singers

I will be teaching a special masterclass for singers in the Brooklyn Opera Works Summer Vocal Arts program from 7-9:30 pm at the Brooklyn Music School.  I'll present an introduction to AT for singers in the vocal arts program, directed by Lina Tetriani, and do hands-on work with the artists as they prepare for upcoming performances of Gluck's Echo et Narcisse. 

JUN 11 - 25

Embodied Voice Workshop

With Kiara Duran, Voice Teacher & Eleanor Taylor, Alexander Technique

I'm thrilled to collaborate with wonderful voice teacher Kiara Duran in this special workshop for singers. Experience more freedom, connection and joy in your singing with this 3-class series uniting easeful vocalization and balanced overall coordination of your breath and body. Each participant will experience one-on-one guidance in every class from Kiara & Eleanor while singing. Class size limited to 6 for individualized attention.

Workshop Highlights:

·      Be introduced to the principles of energy and their relationship with singing with practical techniques for released, resonant sound

·      Explore the Alexander Technique, a mindfulness method that has helped singers and actors enhance performance and manage stress for over a century

·      Experience the feeling of your vibrant, authentic voice, and learn practices to deepen the relationship between body and voice to reestablish balance, poise and vitality

·      Discover ways to reduce performance anxiety, and understand the connection to tension and breath-holding

Class Dates:  

Sun 6/11 11am-2pm

Sun 6/18 2-4:30pm

Sun 6/25 2-4:30pm

Location: Union Square, Manhattan

Workshop Fee: $250

Register: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com

JAN 23

"Introduction to AT for Singers" Workshop at Brooklyn Opera Works

I will be leading a workshop "Intro to AT for Singers" for the Brooklyn Music School's Brooklyn Opera Works program from 12:30-2pm in Brooklyn.  I'll present an introduction to AT for students in their opera training program, directed by Lina Tetriani, and work with the singers in direct application to their singing: looking at ways they can use the tools of AT to improve performance and reduce strain.   

FALL 2016

Alexander Technique Faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts

I'm thrilled to share that this fall I'm joining the faculty at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC!  I'll be offering several classes to actors on the Alexander Technique in the conservatory's program as part of the first year Core Curriculum.  I'm looking forward to working with my fellow AT teacher Sheila Bandyopadyay, head of AADA's Movement Department, and colleagues Erin O'Leary, Adele Nickel and Maxon Davis who will also be teaching AT. Bravo to AADA for their new offering of AT as part of the core actors' training!

JUL - AUG

Summer Classes: The Alexander Technique for Actors & Singers

A small group class for 4 performers - limited enrollment!

Class Dates:                                                                                                

4 Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm: Jul 12, 19, Aug 2 & 16 (skips Jul 26 & Aug 9)

OR

4 Fridays, 11am-12:30pm: Aug 5, 12, 19 & 26

OR

4 Thursdays, 11am-12:30pm: Aug 18, 25, Sept 8 & 15 (skips Sept 1)

Learn the fundamentals of the Alexander Technique in a personalized, supportive small group environment designed specifically for the needs of performers. In this 4-week series, you will receive individual hands-on guidance in the Alexander Technique, a self-care method that has helped people enhance performance, alleviate stress, ease back and neck pain, and cultivate freer breathing for over a century.  We will devote special attention to breathing using The Art of Breathing method. Discover how you can put the technique’s powerful tools to work in your own performances and auditions to calm nerves and reduce habitual tensions that can interfere with accessing your fullest performing potential. Classes will explore the basic Alexander principles, and each week participants will have the opportunity to share work while receiving guidance in the technique in a relaxed, non-competitive setting. 

Class size limited to 4. For performers at all levels of AT experience, including those new to the technique.

Location: Union Square, Manhattan

Info: to register or for questions: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com.

JUN 7-11

American Society for the Alexander Technique Annual Conference

I'll be attending AmSAT's Annual Conference and General Meeting in the Twin Cities from June 7-11.  I'm looking forward to seeing colleagues from across the country for 4 days of workshops to fill the well with new ideas and the latest happenings in the AT world.  One of the things I'm most looking forward to is working with Jane Ruby Heirich, author of one of my AT "bibles", Voice and the Alexander Technique! Click here for more conference info or to register.

MAY 25

Teachers Panel Discussion at Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique

I'll be participating in a "Professional Issues Panel" discussion on experiences from the early years of teaching the Alexander Technique at the Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique from 7:30-9pm on Wed May 25th.  I'll be joined by colleagues Ariel Carson, Kristin Mozeiko, Lindsay Newitter, Adele Nickel & RIAT's Director Nanette Walsh in this special round table discussion for teachers-in-training.

MAY 21-22

'Speech as Transformation for the Actor' Weekend Intensive

I'll be attending a weekend intensive training for teachers: 'Speech as Transformation for the Actor' with master speech/voice teachers Beth McGuire and Jane Guyer Fujita on May 21-22.  I'm excited to learn some new things about the anatomy of speech - voice, breath, articulation - to share with my students!

APR 17

'Speaking with Full Body, Full Voice' Workshop

Many people struggle to use their speaking voice with ease at work, on stage or in everyday life. It is our birthright to speak confidently and vibrantly without strain, free from tensions that interfere with our full powers of communication.

I'll be teaching this introductory workshop, which uses the tools of the Alexander Technique and The Art of Breathing method to connect our whole selves to our speaking voice. We'll explore simple yet powerful techniques for freeing the body and breath, and reducing strain on the voice mindfully.

Limited to 6 participants.  No prior knowledge of the AT is required. This event is for anyone interested in improving speaking voice ease and resonance in a supportive environment.

Time: Sunday, April 17th 6-8:30pm
Location: Union Square, Manhattan
Class Fee: $40
To register or for questions: email eleanor@eleanortaylorAT.com

DEC 11, 15 & 18

Open class dates for performers! 

My "AT for Actors and Singers" classes are taking a holiday until late January, but in response to requests I'm offering a couple of one-off small groups. Whether you've taken a class already, or just been wondering what they are all about - all levels of AT experience are welcome! 

We'll do some AT explorations, refresh and restore with a guided lie-down, and each participant can share a bit of work (text or song) while getting hands-on guidance in a supportive, informal setting. 

Class dates:
Friday, Dec 11 11am-1pm
Tuesday, Dec 15 noon-2pm
Friday, Dec 18 11am-1pm
Location:   Union Square
Fee: $30 per class. Sign up for 1, 2 or all.

Class size will be limited to 5. Advance reservations required, so drop me a line to reserve a spot! 

DEC 5

"Releasing the Voice Within" Teachers Workshop

I will be leading a workshop "Releasing the Voice Within" for the New York City Music Teachers Association/UFT & MEANYC from 9am-1pm in Manhattan.  I'm excited to be there with my colleague Nadia Banna presenting an introduction to AT geared towards musicians and educators, including segments on Jessica Wolf's "Art of Breathing" and my own workshop "Healthy Vocal Resonance for Speaking and Singing."  My passion is connecting the Alexander Technique to easeful use of the voice, and I'm very excited to work with so many music educators on ways to care for their voices using AT!

AUG 10

Workshop at the Danbury Chamber Music Intensive

On August 10th, I'll be presenting a special workshop on the Alexander Technique to the instrumentalists at the Danbury Chamber Music Intensive, a chamber music festival for emerging artists working in small ensembles, held at the Danbury Music Centre. This festival joins many other specialized programs for musicians worldwide (such as the Juilliard School, Guildhall School of Music and the New World Symphony) who are incorporating AT into their training.

Symphony magazine recently named AT one of "the big three" methods to prevent injury in instrumentalists, a must for longevity in this demanding field.  I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work with the talented musicians at this intensive program!

JUN 27-28

'The Actor's Secret' Postgraduate Training

This year I'll be taking 3 weekends of postgraduate teacher training for AT teachers with Betsy Polatin in her method "The Actor's Secret," with the first being June 27-28.  Betsy has developed her work over decades of teaching in training programs like Boston University's College of Fine Arts, where she is a Master Lecturer, and the Tanglewood Institute.  Her method draws on the work of F.M. Alexander, Carl Stough's Breathing Coordination, and Dr. Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing to help performers explore their instrument and their craft in new ways.  Her recent book "The Actor's Secret" is a wonderful resource for performers.

MAY 30

Jessica Wolf's "The Art of Breathing" for Actors

I'll be assisting master teacher Jessica Wolf at this special workshop for actors on Saturday May 30th from 10am-5pm, at the American Center for the Alexander Technique (39 W. 14th St. #507, Manhattan.)

Actors need a highly developed instrument to meet the demands of performance. Jessica Wolf's Art of Breathing helps actors discover freedom in the body, breath and voice, which enables them to practice their craft with minimum effort and maximum efficiency. Using the principles of the Alexander Technique and Carl Stough's Breathing Coordination, The Art of Breathing fuels imagination and enhances character development.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
In this hands-on workshop, we will explore the following:
• Physical effects of faulty breathing that cause excessive tension in the neck, jaw, ribs, abdomen,
lower back, and legs
• Unconscious habits that interfere with emotional and physical impulses
• Practices to deepen the relationship between body and voice
• Performance anxiety and its connection to the harmful effects of breath-holding and physical rigidity
• Techniques to re-establish balance, poise and vitality

To enroll, please email Jessica.

JAN 9-11

Freedom to Act Conference, New York City

I gathered a lot of food for thought when I attended the "Freedom to Act" Conference, an incredible annual event focusing on acting and the Alexander Technique.  This weekend series of workshops is presented by Balance Arts Center and AT Motion, and offers a powerful opportunity for actors honing their craft to learn from AT and theater professionals from around the world, who present classes on a vast array of topics, from acting technique to AT fundamentals to voice and breathing methods.  You can experience a single workshop or take part in the whole weekend. This year's terrific keynote speaker was Jessica Wolf presenting her method "The Art of Breathing" - a personal favorite of mine. Actors, I can't say enough good things about this conference -  I highly recommend adding this to your 2016 calendar!

NOV 3 & 17

'Group Teaching for Alexander Technique Teachers' classes

I was pleased to offer two classes on the fundamentals of group teaching in the Alexander Technique for trainees in the Teacher Certification Program at the Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique (RIAT) on November 3rd and 17th at the invitation of Nanette Walsh, RIAT's Director. RIAT offers some wonderful opportunities for the general public to experience the technique through weekly clinics and nominal-cost supervised lessons with trainees about the graduate.  For more info, visit the RIAT website.

SEPT 19-21

AT at 'treat: a women's wellness weekend  

I had the great pleasure of teaching an introductory group workshop on the Alexander Technique called "Breathing: Finding your natural rhythm" as well as private lessons at 'treat,  a women's wellness weekend retreat sponsored by Wellbody, in East Chatham, NY on Sept 19-21. The weekend offered a host of activities and practitioners that renewed and expanded participants' tools for wellness!  To learn more about Wellbody's amazing offerings and details of the retreat, click here.