Alexander Technique Class for Musicians: “Making Music Just Got Easier!”

This introduction to the Alexander Technique class will provide information and practical skills on how to incorporate awareness, freedom, ease, balance and poise into everyday activities. This workshop will focus specifically on how the technique is helpful – if not essential – for orchestral musicians. We will explore balance and poise on stage, efficiency in the practice room, self-care and ease in rehearsal and performance, freedom in breathing, stage fright and more! You will leave the workshop with new ideas on how to alleviate and prevent injury and pain associated with playing your instrument.

In addition, this workshop will introduce you to some mind-body “etudes” to practice at home. These etudes are in the form of simple movements and explorations. Not unlike musical etudes, which we practice in order to learn the skills we need to bring to major repertoire, these activities are designed to practice the mind-body connection necessary for obtaining the freedom and ease you want to bring to any activity in life! A comprehensive handout packet will be available, so you can practice at home and share with your colleagues. This packet will include descriptions of the etudes as well as a listing of valuable reading and online resources, should you wish to explore further.

Oboist Petrea Warneck performs extensively throughout the Carolinas as an orchestral and chamber musician. She is co-principal oboist of South Carolina Philharmonic and also performs with the Charlotte and Charleston Symphony Orchestras.   She has a distinguished reputation as an oboe instructor in the southeast, and teaches Oboe and The Alexander Technique at both Furman University and the SC Governor’s School for the Arts in Greenville, SC.

Dedicated to the health and wellness of performing artists, Ms. Warneck is a devoted advocate of the importance of the Mind-Body connection.  She presents workshops and classes on the Alexander Technique throughout the southeastern U.S. and online via video conference coaching. She is a Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique through Alexander Technique International.