Post-Congress Masterclass
Friday 15 August to Sunday 17 August
In this residential masterclass we will focus on the work of first-generation teachers, Margaret Goldie and Erika Whittaker, who both emphasised the application of Alexander’s ideas to the activities of life rather than to learning hands-on techniques. In their demeanour and their way of going about things, they embodied these principles. Once integrated into one’s way of being, hands-on work becomes a manifestation of that embodied understanding.
“The brainwork more dynamic than ever!”
Margaret Goldie
“It is not about the contact between my hand and the pupil, nor about the contact between the teacher’s back and the pupil’s back. It is about the contact between one human brain and another.”
Margaret Goldie
“What Alexander really wanted from his pupils was that they would learn to make their own decisions.”
Erika Whittaker
“FM could feel people’s thoughts with his hands, and this was very disconcerting for a pupil. You could not get away with anything with FM. But he showed us all the time thought is action, and inhibition in his sense is action…”
Erika Whittaker
Musicians are welcome to bring their instrument. For pianists, please note that I have a piano.
We will cook and eat together, discuss the therapeutic, educational and evolutionary ideas of F M Alexander. We will explore ways of integrating “stopping” and “directing” into all aspects of our lives, and how to use touch to influence thought.
Attendance will be limited to seven people; teachers, students and pupils welcome.
The cost for the event, including food, accommodation (in single-sex twin rooms) and over 17 hours of tuition, is £420. A non-refundable (unless the course is cancelled) deposit of £84 is required to secure a place. The balance is due one month before the start date.
If you would like to apply or to get further information, please email me.
For feedback from previous courses see: Masterclasses Feedback
Schedule:
| Time | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| 08:00-09:00 | Check-in | Breakfast | Breakfast |
| 09:30-11:00 | Check-in | Session 4 | Session 8 |
| 11:00-11:30 | Coffee | Coffee | Coffee |
| 11:30-13:00 | Session 1 | Session 5 | Session 9 |
| 13:00-15:00 | Lunch & break | Lunch & break | Lunch & break |
| 15:00-17:00 | Session 2 | Session 6 | Session 10 |
| 17:00-17:30 | Tea | Tea | Tea |
| 17:30-19:30 | Session 3 | Session 7 | Departure |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner | Dinner | Departure |
2025: Residential Masterclasses
There are two dates planned for residential weekends at my home in Hampshire in 2025:
Friday 3 January to Sunday 5 January
Friday 15 August to Sunday 17 August
In these courses, we will focus on the work of first-generation teachers Margaret Goldie and Erika Whittaker. They both felt that their contemporaries had focussed too much on the physical aspects of teaching and not enough on the mental aspects:
“The brainwork more dynamic than ever!”
Margaret Goldie
“It is not about the contact between my hand and the pupil, nor about the contact between the teacher’s back and the pupil’s back. It is about the contact between one human brain and another.”
Margaret Goldie
“What Alexander really wanted from his pupils was that they would learn to make their own decisions.”
Erika Whittaker
“FM could feel people’s thoughts with his hands, and this was very disconcerting for a pupil. You could not get away with anything with FM. But he showed us all the time thought is action, and inhibition in his sense is action…”
Erika Whittaker
Musicians are welcome to bring their instrument. For pianists, please note that I have a piano.
We will cook and eat together, discuss the therapeutic, educational and evolutionary ideas of F M Alexander. We will explore ways of integrating “stopping” and “directing” into all aspects of our lives, and how to use touch to influence thought.
Attendance will be limited to seven people; teachers, students and pupils welcome.
The cost for each weekend, including food, accommodation (in single-sex twin rooms) and over 17 hours of tuition is £420. A non-refundable (unless the course is cancelled) deposit of £84 is required to secure a place. The balance is due 28 days before the start date.
If you would like to apply or to get further information, please email me.
For feedback from previous courses see: Masterclasses Feedback
Schedule:
| Time | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| 08:00-09:00 | Check-in | Breakfast | Breakfast |
| 09:30-11:00 | Check-in | Session 4 | Session 8 |
| 11:00-11:30 | Coffee | Coffee | Coffee |
| 11:30-13:00 | Session 1 | Session 5 | Session 9 |
| 13:00-15:00 | Lunch & break | Lunch & break | Lunch & break |
| 15:00-17:00 | Session 2 | Session 6 | Session 10 |
| 17:00-17:30 | Tea | Tea | Tea |
| 17:30-19:30 | Session 3 | Session 7 | Departure |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner | Dinner | Departure |
Margaret Goldie Webinar
The video of the recent webinar featuring pupils of Margaret Goldie is now on YouTube.
It is also available on the FMAT Charity website.
Work with Margaret Goldie
Readers of my blog may be interested to know that several of Margaret Goldie’s long-term pupils are holding a webinar on 25 February 2024 at 5pm UK time.
At this event, we will talk about some of our experiences in having lessons with Miss Goldie over many years. Participants will have the opportunity to also ask questions.
If you would like to attend, pre-registration is necessary. Use this link to book a place:
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