Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique (Clarendon Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Pedro de Alcantara (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0198165692 | ISBN-13: 978-0198165699

Written by an experienced professional musician and teacher of the Alexander Technique, this volume is the first to deal specifically with the application of the Technique to music-making. Introducing the musician to the principles and procedures evolved by F. M. Alexander (1869-1955), the book contains practical advice related to all areas of musical activity, from technique, sound production, and interpretation, to daily practice, rehearsal routines, and the mitigating of stage fright and health problems.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Indirect Procedures provides musicians with their first authoritative overview of the Alexander Technique that is specifically directed to the profession. Alcantara has made a significant and valuable contribution."--Piano & Keyboard

"This is one of the most thorough discussions of the Alexander technique to appear in recent years, and the musical component renders it unique. Recommended to all libraries with music collections."--Choice

"...teeming with resources and ideas,... musicians will appreciate the specificity of its technical tete-a-tete."--Chamber Music

"Indirect Procedures provides musicians with their first authoritative overview of the Alexander Technique that is specifically directed to the profession. Alcantara has made a significant and valuable contribution."--Piano & Keyboard

About the Author

Pedro de Alcantara is at French Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 24, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198165692
• ISBN-13: 978-0198165699
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Alexander Technique

More About the Author

Pedro de Alcantara's books include the children's novels "Befiddled" and "Backtracked" (both published by Delacorte Press) and works of non-fiction for adults, including "Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique" (published by the Oxford University Press and translated into French, German, and Japanese), "Integrated Practice: Coordination, Rhythm & Sound" (also published by the OUP), and "The Alexander Technique: A Skill for Life" (published by Crowood). Pedro is currently finishing a new novel for young readers. Pedro travels the world giving seminars and master classes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musicians Read This!, June 12, 2001

By 

M. J. Ballou "mad for music" (St. Augustine, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique (Clarendon Paperbacks) (Paperback)

Indirect Procedures stands by itself in the world of Alexander Technique books. Written by a cellist and Alexander teacher, it is the only book I know of exclusively devoted to musicians' issues. At the same time, it is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of Alexander Technique with some photo illustrations. One caveat - Indirect Procedures is not light reading and this certainly sets it apart from most self-improvement books. It is thorough and detailed and very serious.

This book addresses virtually all of the habits of muscle use that can lead muscians down the road to injuries and limited playing and performing. Beginning with my conservatory training 30 years ago, I learned that the most important part of making music was "delivering the goods." Mastering repertoire was the name of the game. If my arms hurt or my wrists ached, that was just part of being a musician. It was inevitable. Now we know it isn't. And De Alcantara's book shows musicians ways to understand movement, habit, and posture that can transform music-making from a high stress and often painful event back to the joy that it was when they began playing.

This book is particularly useful for musicians who don't have access to an Alexander teacher and would like to incorporate some of the technique into their approach to music. It is also an aid to those who are working with an Alexander teacher who is less experienced with musicians. The book is dry and detailed but absolutely invaluable if you really want to make Alexander Technique a serious part of your musical life.

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, well-written book on the Alexander Technique, October 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique (Clarendon Paperbacks) (Paperback)

This is an outstanding book for those who wish to gain a deeper and more finely tuned understanding of the subtleties of the Alexander Technique. It is beautifully written and engrossing. The mechanics of the Alexander Technique are well reviewed . The strength of the book, however, is the contemplative and insightful approach to the intellectual, emotional, and creative aspects of the Technique, the understanding of which is vital to its mastery. I recommend this book very highly, but not as a first book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not just for Cellists, July 10, 2004

By 

Isaac Hylton - See all my reviews

This review is from: Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent and precise treatment of the Alexander Technique. Although his examples are primarily for Cellists, Pianists, and singers, there's much that would apply to any musician. Occasionally academic, this book is well worth the patience. A moderate number of pictures are present.