Laura Klein. Teacher of the Alexander Technique, Berkeley, CA

I give private lessons in the Alexander Technique in Berkeley, one block from the North Berkeley BART. I trained at the Center for the Alexander Technique in Menlo Park, CA, with Ed and Linda Avak, who trained with Walter Carrington in London, England. I have been involved with Alexander teacher training at the Bay Area Center for the Alexander Technique in Berkeley since its inception in 2001.

I am a professional pianist, and, after receiving my BA in Music, was spending many hours at the piano, playing and teaching. I discovered the Alexander Technique while looking for a way to eliminate the severe back pain that I was experiencing at that time. As I took lessons and gained understanding of my own use, I was intrigued by the changes in myself that were taking place. Not only did my back pain gradually subside, but I found myself feeling more composed and confident at the piano, and less affected by the annoyances and stresses of everyday life. I was so inspired by the power of this work that I decided to train to become an Alexander teacher. I received both STAT and AmSAT Certifications in 1987, having completed a 1600-hour, three-year approved training.

My students include musicians, teachers, scientists, software professionals, writers, retirees, librarians, dental hygienists, chefs, doctors, waiters, artists, and massage therapists. They are of diverse ages, from middle-schoolers to seniors. They take lessons for varying reasons, but all find the Alexander Technique helpful to them in many aspects of their lives. Here's what they say about their lessons:

"About two years ago I began studying with Laura to help improve my singing voice and also to alleviate my chronic neck pain. I really enjoy the process, and especially Laura's teaching style, which is warm, focused and creative. The Alexander Technique has improved my posture, my voice and best of all, I've noticed a marked decrease in my neck pain. Even though I'd had a lot of movement training in the past, this work is completely different from anything I'd done before. The awareness of correct body use permeates many parts of my life, including my work as a communications coach. I'm very grateful that Laura was recommended to me."

- Carol Hazenfield, author of Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater

"Through my lessons with Laura specific problems with my neck, shoulders and back have improved beyond what my former chiropractor could achieve. My movements are more fluid both in daily activities and in my tai chi class. Laura has taught me valuable skills in self-observation, which paradoxically bring frustration at times, but also better coordination and circulation in easing up on myself."

- Glenn, Structural Engineer and Tai Chi Practitioner

"A session with Laura Klein embodies the essence of the Alexander Technique. In Laura's presence you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, your body integrated with your mind and spirit. How we hold our body is connected with how we hold tension or relaxation in our mind, which affects... our outlook on life. Do we react with stress, or do we interact with serenity? The awareness of how we move our body will impact how we move through life. After spending time with Laura, I can fully experience the challenge of life with clarity,courage, and compassion."

- Joan Hu, UCSF employee

The process of learning the Alexander Technique is a journey of self-discovery. As a teacher, I work together with my students in how to apply the Alexander Technique in everyday life, enabling them to solve their problems.