The actor Frederick Matthias Alexander – born in Tasmania (Australia) in 1869 – experienced problems with breathing, hoarseness and a failing voice which threatened to put an end to his promising career. The doctors diagnosed inflammation of the vocal cords. As none of the prescribed treatments helped, he took matters into his own hands.

During painstaking self-observation and experimentation in front of the mirror, Alexander realised that unconsciously he was unduly tightening muscles throughout his body whenever he was performing. It was the „bad use“ of his whole self that caused the „poor functioning“ of his voice! By gradually developing a means of consciously changing these unwanted habits Alexander experienced considerable improvement in his acting and general health.

He moved to London in 1904, teaching his technique until his death in 1955. His innovative method attracted clients from all walks of life and with a wide range of health issues.

F.M. Alexander wrote four books.