Teacher Workshop
SAWS Teacher Development Workshop 2024
“Move Better, Play Better!” a Mind-body wellness retreat for Musicians featuring the Alexander Technique, Feldenkreis Method® , Body Mapping, Yoga, and Self Myofascial Release
Friday, October 11, 2024, at First Lutheran Church of Bothell 10207 NE 183rd St, Bothell, WA
Homestays may be available for out-of-town teachers who are SAWS members. We’ll send a poll to find out who needs housing and who can provide. Also, a $75 travel stipend will be available for SAWS teachers traveling more than 3 hours (each way). Please email us to request a stipend (sawsfestival@gmail.com).
While this event is sponsored by a music teachers’ nonprofit organization, the workshop is open to ALL musicians and music teachers, including music students age 16 and up! Course description: As musicians and music teachers, we care about moving well, free of excess tension, and with musical expression. But accomplishing this in our own playing–or teaching it–can feel complex. Where do you start? If you are curious about helping yourself and/or your students move better, join us for a daylong mini retreat featuring workshops in the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, and gentle yoga/self myofascial release for musicians, featuring expert faculty who are performers themselves. These classes are not instrument specific, because we will be working on our most important instrument: ourselves! You are encouraged to bring your instrument, but not required. There will be a piano available. This workshop is not limited to Suzuki teachers, or even private teachers! All adult musicians and music teachers are welcome. 6 Clock hours will be available through Central Washington University for $4/clock hour.
Schedule for the Day
- 9:00 arrive and sign in
- 9:15 opening circle
- 9:30 – 10:45 class 1 (large group AT or yoga/myofascial release)
- 11:00 – 12:15 class 2 (large group AT or yoga/myofascial release)
- 12:15 – 1:00 lunch
- 1:00 – 2:15 class 3 (Feldenkreis or small group AT)
- 2:30 – 3:45 class 4 (Feldenkreis or small group AT)
- 3:45 – 4:00 Closing Circle
Tuition
- $110
- $90 SAWS members
- $50 college student
- 5 hours clock hours available through CWU
- A few scholarships or work trades may be available; please inquire.
Course Syllabus
Musicians’ Introduction to the Alexander Technique with Cathy Madden (1.25hr)
Join master teacher Cathy Madden for an introduction to the Alexander Technique. Her specialty is the integration of the Alexander Technique in the performing arts. She defines the process as “constructive conscious kindness to yourself, cooperating with your design and serving your ideas and dreams.” Cooperating with our design is the key to optimizing our instrument in order to play our instruments. This session provides that “key” information as well as a consistent practical process to integrate the ideas in your playing and teaching. This process is foundational for skill-building, offering both greater flexibility and precision. For many, the delight of the work is that what they intend to play manifests more and more consistently. For others, it offers relief if physical or stress patterns are preventing them from enjoying their music. This class will be useful whether you have had no Alexander Technique lessons or are an experienced student!
Yoga and Self Myofascial Release for Musicians with Alyssa Frank (1.25hr)
A gentle yoga class specially designed for musicians. Deepen your awareness of your neck, spine, and arms while you release tension from all the surrounding muscles and fascia. Additionally, explore stretches that free your natural breath and Yogic techniques for expanding your breath capacity. Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Small Group Alexander Technique Classes with Cathy Madden, Alyssa Frank, or Lisa Toner (1.25hr)
These small group classes will happen after the large group introduction, allowing participants to explore concepts more deeply, ask questions, and work individually with the teacher. Topics such as performance anxiety, body mapping, and releasing tension will be addressed. Bring your instrument if you want.
Feldenkrais Class with Katie O’Rourke (1.25hr)
The Feldenkrais Method® explores novel movements in a gentle yet thrilling way to increase body awareness, mobility, and overall ease in movement. The theme of this class is “Shoulders and Spine,” and we will move through a series of variations intended to form connections and enhance anatomical understanding. Join us on the floor to foster fluid movement at your instrument and in life! Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Instructor Bios
Cathy Madden is Teaching Professor for the University of Washington’s Professional Actor Training Program, and Director of the Integrative Alexander Technique Studio of Seattle. She was a student of, and assistant to, fabled Alexander teacher Marjorie Barstow for nearly twenty years. Her books include: Teaching the Alexander Technique: Active Pathways to Integrative Practice (Jessica Kingsley, 2018) and Integrative Alexander Technique Practice for Performing Artists: Onstage Synergy (Intellect, 2014). A founding member and former chair of Alexander Technique International, she currently serves as chair of the Vision/Mission Committee and as a Formal Consensus Process Facilitator. Madden has taught for Alexander Technique training schools and Arts organizations in Australia, England, Germany, Japan, Scotland, Switzerland, Japan and the United States. She has been a featured presenter/keynote speaker at International Congresses of the Alexander Technique, Alexander Technique International Annual General Meetings and for the Freedom to Act Conference. In 2012, she was the Keynote Speaker for the Inaugural Alexander Technique and Performing Arts Conference in Melbourne. www.cathymadden.net.
Katie O’Rourke is a piano instructor, Feldenkrais Practitioner® and Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor offering private lessons and movement coaching in the Seattle area and online. Katie also runs the Awareness Through Music Blog, which is dedicated to providing resources on injury prevention, musicians’ wellness and mindful pedagogy. As a pianist, Katie has collaborated with Whatcom Symphony, Skagit Opera, and Whatcom Wind Ensemble, and Bellingham Chamber Orchestra. She is a performing member of Ladies Musical Club of Seattle. Katie’s other musical interests include Dalcroze Eurythmics, Taubman Technique, and composition.
Alyssa Franks is a yoga teacher, Alexander Technique teacher, and somatic counselor in training. Her aim is to help people live as the fullest version of themselves, by healing and releasing the obstacles that interfere. Alyssa is intuitive, passionate, and playful in her work. She fosters the innate wisdom of the individual to flourish and guide the way toward greater integration and growth. Alyssa has a Masters degree in performing arts from the University of Washington, and currently studies Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling at Naropa University. She is a teaching member of Alexander Technique International and an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Continuing Education Provider with Yoga Alliance. She is also a certified Laughter Yoga Leader. Alyssa teaches classes, private sessions and workshops in Seattle and leads international wellness retreats. Learn more about Alyssa at www.movewhole.com.
Lisa Toner teaches violin, viola, and the Alexander Technique in Bellingham, WA, integrating her knowledge of music pedagogy, performance, body mapping, and educational psychology into her work. She is president of the Suzuki Association of Washington State, and performs with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. Since becoming a certified Alexander Technique teacher in 2019, she has given presentations at the Washington State Music Teacher Association conference, the 2024 SAA/ASTA conferences, as well as teaching many group workshops for teacher associations and the Western Washington University music department. She publishes regularly in the American Suzuki Journal. www.lisatonerstudio.com.