“Ethan Kind’s e-books stand unique in the Alexander Technique world. Each e-book applies the principles to a given instrument, making it much easier to grasp how to change yourself in relationship to the instrument, and transform your performance. The e-books are remarkably clear and practical, so much so that it inspired me to travel from Arizona to Albuquerque for a series of lessons with Ethan. I’ve had extensive experience with the Alexander Technique over 20 years, and can attest to Ethan’s insight and skill as a teacher. It is very high.”
Tom Russell (U.S.A.)
Business owner, Flutist, beginning Guitar and Piano student
7/29/2013
There is gradually taking place a change in my playing which is very positive, exciting. Things just happen that are good. My accuracy has improved, my sound has blossomed, and things are easier in general. I’m getting compliments on my sound and playing in general not from people I know but people that I working with for $$$.
This all is making seemingly; magic! I couldn’t have begun this journey without our work in so many areas last summer! Thank you! I so look forward to this coming year, the positive and wonderful things I know it will bring.
You’re the greatest!
Paul Williams (U.S.A.)
French Horn Player
12/08/13
Just sent you another $10 for the jazz guitar book.
Enjoying the weightlifting book. The combination of your book and my private Alexander Technique sessions with a teacher have really transformed my weightlifting experience. Even my former trainer commented on how much more competent my movements looked, and I have been making good strength gains.
I have been applying a lot of Alexander Technique to the guitar (I am a guitar teacher by trade) and also to my students, so I look forward to your ebook and finding more ways to incorporate the Alexander Technique into my playing and my profession.
Jake (U.S.A.)
Guitar Teacher
7/25/14
Thanks Ethan – I can’t say it’s a miracle but just reading the first 10 pages or so (An Alexander Technique Approach to Classical Guitar Technique) and recognising how to use directions, breath, up and away release the knees and hips etc and most importantly keep the shoulder girdle floating not rigid, has already paid dividends and for the first time in a while I can play for more than 15 minutes without muscle cramps.
I also (sheepishly) now realise if I had been more aware of what my Alexander teacher is directing through our lessons, I might have got there through my own work. Regardless, I am grateful for the illumination your book provides.
AJ (Australia)
Classical Guitar Student
3/19/2015
I scheduled a week full of private lessons with Ethan Kind a few months back. My goal was to have him help me identify body stress that is detrimental to my singing. I couldn’t have been happier with my training.
Ethan was very patient as he walked me through a number postural and musculature changes that I needed to make. He helped me to see and understand some of the wrong thinking I had about my body; particularly involving my shoulders and hips. I walked away with a PILE of notes that I turned into a 30 cue slide show that I use to help cement the changes into my posture, guitar playing, and singing.
The training that I received was beyond my expectations… and my expectations were pretty high. Thank you Ethan for your contribution to my singing, ministry, and my life!
Greg (U.S.A.)
Singer Guitarist
10/22/2015
My shoulder has been feeling better the past couple of days due to what I learned from Ethan. I don’t feel the need to constantly prove to myself that the shoulder still hurts–I was often aggravating it just to make sure it was still bad! Awareness is a wonderful thing!
Richard (U.S.A.)
Violist, Tennis Player, Golfer
1/2/2016
Dear Ethan, what a wonderful and scary experience. It’s like a sort of enlightenment is happening. Not that I don’t have to practice now, but it’s a pleasant experience instead of fighting the instrument to force a certain outcome. WOW!!!!
Frank (Netherlands)
Trumpet Player
4/27/2016
Hello Ethan,
I just finished reading this e-book and I want to say THANK YOU. It has been the most important read I’ve come across in a very long time and it has really changed my way of thinking. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge like this.
Kind regards
Erik (Sweden)
Drum Player
6/5/2017
Dear Ethan,
Thank you so much for the enlightening lesson in incorporating the Alexander Technique into my viola playing. I have been studying the instrument for 58 years now, and you have shown me ways to play with ease that were never discussed by any of my teachers. I was amazed that such seemingly tiny adjustments to my shoulder rest, posture and bow hand position provided a new sense of ease while playing which, in turn, has improved my tone production.
In addition to being able to play my instrument in a more relaxed manner, I have also been able to incorporate those concepts into my tennis and golf games, and even daily activities are made easier when I remember to only use the muscles necessary to do the task. I am deeply indebted to you and appreciate your expertise.
Richard (Denver, Colorado)
Violist
3/29/2018
Dear Ethan,
My name is Germana Gomez. I am an AT teacher living in Spain. I have read your ebook about Focal Dystonia and I wanted to let you know that I have found it really inspiring.
I have been playing piano since I was a child. My relationship with the instrument has gone through different stages, including discomfort and pain that led me to the AT.
When I read your ebook it was like reading things that I had thought and experienced myself but that I could not imagine that someone could put them into words so clearly, with such a broad perspective and bringing light into very familiar experiences. It has helped me to understand more the many aspects of playing an instrument.
Also I wanted to tell you that I will travel to Chicago for the congress and I am wondering if you will go as well. If you do it would be a pleasure to meet you.
Congratulations again for your essay. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Germana
Germana Gomez(Spain)
Alexander Technique Teacher
7/10/2018
Hi Ethan. Thanks for the ebooks. I have just finished reading the one for clients recovering from stroke today. It is really easy to read and makes Alexander concepts clear and easy to understand. My client has a lot of contraction in her left arm, and not much sensation down her left side (leg and arm included). We are making great headway. Her arm is slowly becoming more released and she is able to put weight through her left leg. What I am wondering about is when there is damage in a particular area in the brain which previously moved the arm for example, can just having a clear intention enable the client to begin moving the arm? Or does it take more time and practice?
We gave your suggested exercise a go, where, whilst she was freeing her neck, Kate imagined raising her arm and pointing her finger 3 times, then opened her eyes and directed her body to point her finger. There was a slight movement the first time we tried it. The second time her arm moved and then fingers curled up, heading towards her more contracted pattern. I think I have to help her clarify her intention and notice what her body wants to do and to inhibit it, but I wondered if you had any other suggestions and examples of working with this kind of situation.
Thanks again for your book. I also wondered if you minded me using some quotes from it in some advertising I might do for AT in future. I would quote you of course.
Kind regards,
Caroline
Stroke Rehab Professional
11/24/2018
I loved the session. Realizing that I am not permanently injured, and that it is just tension and trapped emotion that can be released and eased by releasing my body has made my hand and arm feel so much better, and I have been feeling more hopeful about trumpet playing. I’m looking forward to the next session.
P.S. I have been slowly feeling less afraid of sleep.
Mark
Professional Trumpet player
12/24/2018
Dear Ethan,
I hope this email reaches you well.
Thanks for sending us your writings on the Alexander Method, I always appreciate any form of help or fresh perspectives from other classical musicians. I read music at University where I focused on composition & piano performance. At the moment, I’m building up my own online piano lessons studio, so the tips from your book will help me while practising, performing & teaching.
I love how this method emphasises the importance of connecting with one’s body while playing/ teaching piano and making sure no part of us is under any unnecessary strain. It’s kind of like applying yoga techniques to our playing? to breathe with our movements and be present in our mind and body.
I’ve often found that taking a mindful approach to my practise benefits me in the long run too & I need to remind myself to take this approach more often! Musicians and students alike oftentimes don’t realise how a negative attitude or not being in tune with themselves can hinder progress… The classical music world is highly competitive and we really don’t put enough emphasis on self-care and loving ourselves enough to put our own health (mind & body) first which, in turn, actually improves our musicianship too.
I always encourage my students to be gentle with themselves and to enjoy their playing, but it’s great to have your writings as a resource and reminder for myself. ️
Thanks again for this! I’ll continue to read and try apply some of your helpful tips to my life as a pianist & teacher.
Best wishes,
Fiona
10/23/1020
UK
I am really impressed with the book so far only a few chapters in. I started reading the book by Luigi Bonpensiere as well, since I also study piano a lot.
About the French horn playing. I know that it can be that easy as you’ve described but it just happened randomly and rarely and I could not reproduce it at will.
The concept of not fixating body parts in any way is actually so logical, I am slightly sad I did not get into this a little earlier. I did do ‘Mensendieck-therapy’ though, but this is way better on a theoretic level.
Your writing is really clear and convincing and I sure will tip this book to a friend who is a professional horn player at the NDR orchestra in Hannover.
This is money very well spent and I might get back to you for the piano edition later on. Thanks again!
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Bart
12/20/2021
Sir, I have no idea where I picked up your Double Bass Alexander Tech. ebook, probably 6 years ago. Simply skimmed but knew it was what I should be studying. I have begun the audition process for a local orch. and wanted to improve all areas of my life to prepare. I realize that my willingness to change while using the guidance from your writings are choices that should be made. Idk it’s both a lot and yet so simple to process. I’m up to the list of 25+ reasons and just had to thank you for laying it out so well,
Mark
12/13/2023
