Many musicians have found the Alexander Technique invaluable when dealing with tension and pain. The Technique is taught at many schools of music, universities and colleges around the world, including the Royal College of Music in London, the Juilliard School of Performing Arts in New York, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

“After an Alexander session it felt like someone had poured a full canister of three-in-one oil into my neck. After two sessions, I felt 20 years of neck tension fade away and I felt my chest naturally expand. I used to wrap myself round my instrument for years and when your head is inside the music, it’s like an anaesthetic, you don’t feel the discomfort but I gradually became aware of how I had been causing myself problems. I feel I have a greater sense of control when I’m playing if I consciously relax and it’s easier overall, particularly if I’m playing something that is technically difficult.”

— Máirtín O’Connor, leading traditional Irish accordion player