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Rating: 
Summary: Some intriguing solutions to musicians' problems
Review: "Indirect Procedures" is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and procedures of the Alexander Technique, and its applications to all aspects of music-making, from technique and sound production to daily practice, concert preparation, and the mitigation of stage fright.
Rating: 
Summary: Stiff-necked
Review: Indirect Procedures stands by itself in the world of Alexander Technique books. Written by a cellist and Alexander teacher, it is the only book I know of exclusively devoted to musicians' issues. At the same time, it is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of Alexander Technique with some photo illustrations. One caveat - Indirect Procedures is not light reading and this certainly sets it apart from most self-improvement books. It is thorough and detailed and very serious.This book addresses virtually all of the habits of muscle use that can lead muscians down the road to injuries and limited playing and performing. Beginning with my conservatory training 30 years ago, I learned that the most important part of making music was "delivering the goods." Mastering repertoire was the name of the game. If my arms hurt or my wrists ached, that was just part of being a musician. It was inevitable. Now we know it isn't. And De Alcantara's book shows musicians ways to understand movement, habit, and posture that can transform music-making from a high stress and often painful event back to the joy that it was when they began playing. This book is particularly useful for musicians who don't have access to an Alexander teacher and would like to incorporate some of the technique into their approach to music. It is also an aid to those who are working with an Alexander teacher who is less experienced with musicians. The book is dry and detailed but absolutely invaluable if you really want to make Alexander Technique a serious part of your musical life.
Rating: 
Summary: Musicians Read This!
Review: Indirect Procedures stands by itself in the world of Alexander Technique books. Written by a cellist and Alexander teacher, it is the only book I know of exclusively devoted to musicians' issues. At the same time, it is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of Alexander Technique with some photo illustrations. One caveat - Indirect Procedures is not light reading and this certainly sets it apart from most self-improvement books. It is thorough and detailed and very serious. This book addresses virtually all of the habits of muscle use that can lead muscians down the road to injuries and limited playing and performing. Beginning with my conservatory training 30 years ago, I learned that the most important part of making music was "delivering the goods." Mastering repertoire was the name of the game. If my arms hurt or my wrists ached, that was just part of being a musician. It was inevitable. Now we know it isn't. And De Alcantara's book shows musicians ways to understand movement, habit, and posture that can transform music-making from a high stress and often painful event back to the joy that it was when they began playing. This book is particularly useful for musicians who don't have access to an Alexander teacher and would like to incorporate some of the technique into their approach to music. It is also an aid to those who are working with an Alexander teacher who is less experienced with musicians. The book is dry and detailed but absolutely invaluable if you really want to make Alexander Technique a serious part of your musical life.
Rating:
Summary: Stiff-necked
Review: My teacher recommended this book as The Book To Read if I wanted to read a book about Alexander Technique as I was taking lessons. Obviously it's a book that works wonderfully for many people. I was disappointed, though. I found the book rigid and very dismissive of approaches the author didn't absolutely agree with, and obsessed with bolstering itself with citations and quotes. It almost deifies Alexander, and talks very specifically of positions etc. The impression I have of Alexander Technique from my lessons is completely different: it's about being open rather than closed to alternatives. And yes, I had heard that Alexander lessons are infinitely better than books. I absolutely agree after reading this.
Rating: 
Summary: Not just for Cellists
Review: This book is an excellent and precise treatment of the Alexander Technique. Although his examples are primarily for Cellists, Pianists, and singers, there's much that would apply to any musician. Occasionally academic, this book is well worth the patience. A moderate number of pictures are present.
Rating:
Summary: Not just for Cellists
Review: This book is an excellent and precise treatment of the Alexander Technique. Although his examples are primarily for Cellists, Pianists, and singers, there's much that would apply to any musician. Occasionally academic, this book is well worth the patience. A moderate number of pictures are present.
Rating:
Summary: Good in many ways, dangerous in others...
Review: This book is an excellent exposition on many of the mechanisms by which you can learn the Technique. The unit on principles is also fairly good. Sometimes the author seems to get lost in detail, and his discussion of applying the Technique to musical goals is, for my tastes, weak. For a first book Carrington would be my choice, but many benefits from Alcantara's may be reaped by the discerning reader.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful, well-written book on the Alexander Technique
Review: This is an outstanding book for those who wish to gain a deeper and more finely tuned understanding of the subtleties of the Alexander Technique. It is beautifully written and engrossing. The mechanics of the Alexander Technique are well reviewed . The strength of the book, however, is the contemplative and insightful approach to the intellectual, emotional, and creative aspects of the Technique, the understanding of which is vital to its mastery. I recommend this book very highly, but not as a first book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, thorough, thought-provoking
Review: This is not a review but a question: why is this book listed as a children's 3-page paperback? Or is there a children's book by the same name? The one I read had about 400 pages and definitely was geared for adults: very useful, very thorough, very thought-provoking.
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