Books

Alexander, F.M., abridged and edited by Daniel McGowan.  Alexander Technique; Original Writings of F. M. Alexander.  Burdett, NY: Larson Publications, 1997.

This book features the teachings of F.M. Alexander, founder of the Alexander Technique.

Conable, Barbara.  How to Learn the Alexander Technique.  Portland, OR: Andover Press, 1995.

This book is an excellent guide to getting started with the Alexander Technique. If you don’t have access to an Alexander teacher, this book can at least get you started. Even if you do have an Alexander teacher, read it for even more clarity about the technique.

Conable, Barbara and Amy Likar.  Movewell, Avoid Injury (DVD).

Learn what everyone needs to know about the body in fifty informative and life-changing sections prepared by two masters of Body Mapping and the Alexander Technique.

Conable, Barbara. The Structures and Movement of Breathing.  Chicago: GIA Publications, 2000.

This book clarifies the breathing mechanism. While it is written for choirs, it is an excellent, concise tutorial for anyone needing information about breathing.

Conable, Barbara. What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body.  Portland, OR: Andover Press, 2000.

This is the original Body Mapping book, containing anatomical information as applied to making music.

Frederikson, Brian, ed. John Taylor. Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind. Windsong Press, 1996.

This book gives a synopsis of the teachings of Arnold Jacobs, famous pedagogue and former tubist with the Chicago Symphony.

Gelb, Michael.  Body Learning.  New York, NY: Henry Holt and co., 1981.

Mr. Gelb gives practical examples of Alexander Technique applications. His examples and explanations are very easy to understand.

Gilmore, Robin.  What Every Dancer Needs to Know About the Body.  Portland, OR: Andover Press, 2005.

This is the Body Mapping book for dancers; it has very clear explanations and images that are relevant to all disciplines.

Gorman, David. The Body Moveable. Ontario, Canada: Learning Methods, 1981.

This is both an anatomy book and a movement book. Mr. Gorman’s images and descriptions are extremely clear and helpful to those needing to refine movement.

Hanna, Thomas.  Somatics.  Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 1988.

This book discusses how we can refine our movements and the quality of our effort.

Jacobs, Arnold, compiled by Bruce Nelson. Also Sprach Arnold Jacobs. Buchloe, Germany: Polymnia Press, 2006.

This book is a compilation of the teachings of Arnold Jacobs.

Leisner, David. Playing with Ease. New York: Oxford University Press, 2018.

Mr. Leisner is a professional guitarist who recovered from dystonia. Even though some of this book is specific to guitar technique, most of it is more global and applies to all musicians.

Nesmith, David. Constructive Rest: The Audio Guide Series (CD).

Constructive Rest: The Audio Guide Series is an audio CD designed to help you rediscover freedom and ease in your body, improve clarity of thinking, and enjoy a heightened rapport with your environment.

Restak, Richard. The New Brain. New York, NY: Rodale, 2003.

This is an excellent introduction to neuroplasticity—very easy to read and written in layman’s terminology.

Schwartz, Jeffrey. The Mind and the Brain. New York, NY: Regan Books, 2002.

This book is an in-depth overview of neuroplasticity and how it is being used to help people rehabilitate from strokes, among other disabilities.

Vining, David. The Breathing Book. Editions for Trumpet, Tenor and Bass Trombone, Euphonium (BC and TC), and Tuba. Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music, 2009.

This book includes images, descriptions, and playing activities so readers can integrate breathing knowledge into their playing in musically meaningful ways.

Vining, David. Cross Training for Musicians. Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music, 2013.

This item is available as an iBook or a web-based resource and contains Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, Body Mapping, yoga, and stretching activities that helped me get better.

Vining, David, editor and compiler. Notes of Hope. Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music, 2014.

These short stories are real-life snapshots of musicians who have come to terms with their difficulties. Those who are in trouble and those who wish to avoid trouble will find refuge in Notes of Hope.

Vining, David. What Every Trombonist Needs to Know About the Body. Flagstaff, AZ: Mountain Peak Music, 2010.

This is the Body Mapping book for trombonists.