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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Refine understanding of tension patterns
   • Discuss with relevant personnel the principles and application of the Alexander technique in a performance context
   • Develop observational skills to describe movement patterns in self and others and to identify inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements
   • Use knowledge gained from discussion and critical analysis to make an inventory of own inappropriate patterns of tension during simple movements and while performing
2. Elicit constructive change in postural support
   • Under guidance, develop techniques for preventing harmful patterns of tension while standing, making simple movements and performing
   • Initiate and maintain prevention of previously recognised habitual responses during simple and skilled activities
   • Apply an understanding of dynamic relationship of head and spine to elicit positive change in postural support during simple and skilled activities
   • Apply an understanding of how to organise human mind-body response to simple and skilled activities with respect to coordination of head, neck and back
   • Extend the effect of thinking on performance and experiment with conscious thinking techniques as a way of influencing physiology and coordination
   • Document own process of change and discuss with relevant personnel ways of overcoming issues
3. Minimise physiological distress during performance
   • Analyse the symptoms of physiological distress and ways of minimising the risk of experiencing it
   • Make an inventory of own indicators of physiological distress
   • Use techniques based on an understanding of dynamic relationship of head to spine to intervene during simple and skilled activities to prevent physiological distress
   • Monitor own ability to consciously organise movement and posture efficiently during practice and performance, and work on aspects that need improvement

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

recognise inappropriate patterns of muscle tension in self

sustain freedom in the movement of the head neck and back

intervene constructively to change harmful patterns of tension during high stimulus situations

apply self-observation techniques to improve postural support, movement and breathing in at least one live performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

explain issues associated with preventing habitual responses to stimuli

describe, in simple terms, the functioning and interaction of the following anatomical parts in the context of performing:

head

neck

vertebral column

hip joints

knees and ankles

elbow and shoulders

larynx and vocal folds

lungs

tongue and jaw

explain the concept of organising movement through dynamic head and spine relationship

explain what is meant by ‘good use’ and ‘poor use’ of the self in the Alexander technique

explain the basic theories and principles of the Alexander technique.

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