The Means of the Mechanisms

"Alan Bowers is a fantastic teacher and a wonderful human being. I can’t recommend the Alexander Technique highly enough for anyone who is truly passionate about realizing their fullest potential and we are extremely fortunate to have Mr. Bowers teaching here in Tallahassee. As a student of classical singing,

I have found his rich background in the world of opera and vocal pedagogy to be particularly insightful and a wonderful compliment to my studies at the FSU School of Music. Whimsical and lighthearted, Mr. Bowers’ presence will bring out your inner child and make the process of refining your movements fun and full of laughter."

"Going to see Alan Bowers to learn the Alexander technique is my favorite hour of the week. I leave there an inch taller and walking on air.

I have old, creaky bi-lateral hip replacements and arthritis, and I have looked long and hard for some kind of exercise or therapy that would allow me to get stronger while easing pain rather than causing more pain. Pilates, acupuncture, yoga, physical therapy, massage–none of them do what Alan Bowers does. And it just gets better with each lesson.

Now if only he could teach me to sing…"

"Yes, Alan is a master practitioner of the Alexander Technique but he is also much more than that. He is one of the most amazing energy workers I’ve ever encountered.

I was astounded at his ability to pick up on changes in my body that I could barely notice myself. I don’t know if energy work is considered an integral component of the Alexander Technique but in my case, it was certainly a powerful combination.

And finally, a purely practical matter: I had become accustomed to hearing from alternative therapy practitioners, “You must keep coming back for this therapy to be effective” – usually during a first session.

Now I completely agree that alternative therapies often require multiple sessions over extended periods of time, but I have questioned the belief that there is never an endpoint. Alan knew when I didn’t."

"I’ve worked with many Alexander Technique teachers throughout the years, and Alan Bowers is my go-to guy in New York City.

After my first session with him I felt light, alive and confident that someone had the answers I was looking for. He is unlike any teacher I’ve worked with for many reasons some of which are: his incredible intuition, his virtuosity in various art-forms including voice work, and his commitment to growth and knowledge.

Alan is always learning just as much as he is teaching. He is forever traveling to Israel and California and anywhere that he can learn something new from the other great teachers around the globe.

He is humble and incredibly intelligent, and I highly recommend him if you are looking for help with overcoming pain, finding ease in your movement and/or finding your true unencumbered voice."

"You will do yourself the favor of a lifetime by going to see Alan Bowers. Whatever ails you will find satisfaction in that acquaintance. Whether you are in physical pain, would like to sing better, know yourself better, or wish to be seen and met by a truly caring human being, you will get what you need.

Alan is both an artist and a thinker, and that comes across clearly in his teaching. His communication is at once informative and poetic. He has taken his years of study and training, lived it and embodied it, and through his own process of enquiry, has made connections that are profound, beautiful, and unique.

I am always happy to put myself in his skilled hands and in his marvelous presence."

"Alan Bowers taught me that mastery of my voice lies in how I shape my breath and my body.

I am a professional vocalist/songwriter, and Alan never tried to “teach” me how to sing, but rather use my body as a conduit for voice and breath. He inspired me to cultivate a world of mindfulness around alignment: how my torso, neck, head, and jaw can elongate and create space for my instrument to soar.

Because of working with Alan, I’ve developed a very nuanced vocal style by learning how to place my vowels (strange, yet amazing.) If I ever felt disconnected from my voice, Alan is the first person I would call."

"While serving as an Artist-in-Residence at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Mr. Bower’s work was a “game changer” for a significant number of our students.

His teaching style possessed a gracefulness and ease that immediately allowed focused and intense learning. I was particularly impressed by his organic understanding of the myriad of issues faced by musicians of all types. Mr. Bowers diagnosed, addressed and subsequently began to eliminate less efficient habits for more effective coordination.

Since his visit to UNLV, I’ve had several faculty and students continue to express their positive comments. We’ll certainly invite him to return in the future!"

"While our time with you was short, it was catalytic. We are still revisiting non-doing, inhibiting and forward and up in what we do. Finding an Alexander Technique teacher of your caliber in this neck of the woods is difficult but we are working on it.

For me, a new sense of mindfulness about inhalation and onset in singing has already begun to open the door to new possibilities. I see Jamie practicing differently of late. The difference is subtle and I really don’t know what it is but there seems to be more of her “neshama” (soul) in what she is doing.

I will not soon forget your lovely home and the sense of “shlema” (same root as shalom but in this meaning wholeness) that you have created and surrounded yourself with. It is indeed something Jamie and I aspire to attaining."