Postgraduate Program

 “Breathing is as essential to life as the beating of our hearts.”
—Jessica Wolf

Jessica Wolf works with postgraduate students

Each person has a unique breathing rhythm; timing and effort vary from individual to individual. Although breathing is reflexive, we can influence its efficiency by the way we use our bodies. Interfering with the breath compromises our primary control and eventually weakens our overall wellbeing. As Alexander teachers, we can learn to recognize our own breathing habits, and incorporate new and crucial knowledge into our work.

Jessica Wolf’s Art of Breathing is the result of more than 35 years of ongoing work as an Alexander teacher and 20 years of study with Carl Stough. Both Alexander and Stough were pioneers in the field of respiratory science. Art of Breathing teaches specific principles and procedures that address breathing habits and common forms of respiratory misuse. By expanding awareness, Alexander teachers gain new skills to help our students reduce psychophysical tension.

This postgraduate training is a 60-hour certificate program for certified Alexander teachers. The program is designed to allow each teacher to progress at his or her own pace. Postgraduate hours that fulfill certification can be accumulated over a three-year period. The cost of tuition includes private lessons.

We will:IMG_1196

  • Explore how easy and comfortable breathing can be.
  • Understand how breathing can calm the nervous system and contribute to a fulfilled performance
  • Identify the primary muscle of respiration – the diaphragm – as it guides the air in and out of the body in coordination with all the muscles of respiration.
  • Further understand the anatomy of the respiratory system and visualize breathing coordination.
  • Identify common misconceptions about breathing that lead tofaulty breathing patterns.
  • Promote awareness of the breath during chair-work to support the fundamental length along the spine.
  • Deepen the effectiveness of the whispered ‘ah’
  • Clarify the use of monkey by perceiving the three-dimensional torso as a “breathing container.”
  • Read relevant texts by F.M. Alexander and Carl Stough.
  • Find breath support in your body for daily activities, such as speaking, singing, walking or playing an instrument.
  • Explore specific techniques to eliminate or manage asthma, low-back pain, musculoskeletal pain, headaches, TMJ, vocal problems, and mood disorders.
  • Understand the diaphragm is the muscle of emotion and recognize the breath as a means of expression.

Program Requirements

      • Teachers must be certified Alexander teachers.

Please contact Jessica Wolf for information on enrollment for upcoming postgraduate certificate program sessions.