LESSONS & WORKSHOPS
Learn to use your body more intelligently so you feel and function better.
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“I have never played with such pleasure and with less concern about physical problems since studying with Joseph Arnold!”
- Christophe M., violinist
"I discovered Joseph’s studio entirely by chance while looking for accredited Alexander Technique teachers in Philadelphia who also taught violin. After seeing some of his introductory YouTube videos, I thought it was almost too good to be true: this professional musician who plays with so much ease used to have as much tension as I have? And he found a way out? I have been struggling with immense tension in my violin playing since my days in conservatory. Had I known how easy it would have been to find the right teacher, I would have started with Joseph ten years ago.
"Joseph fundamentally understands what a bad habit is and how to thoroughly work yourself out of it. That is all tension is: a bad habit…and the best way to fix it is to be aware of it – hence, “The Magic Pause.” It is something that sounds obvious when you first hear about it, but with proper and studious application it can easily change your life.
One of the biggest problems with conventional musical pedagogy is the urge to work on repertoire or technique while overlooking the fundamental postural aspect of the instrument. An instrument is an extension of your body. Slight changes in posture or how you physically approach playing can have drastic and lasting effects on your technique and tension, far more than spending hours working repetitively on a piece or passage. The best aspect of Joseph’s teaching philosophy is his thoroughness: he will not move ahead until you have conceptually understood what he is trying to teach you – however many different ways he has to say it for it to stick.
"If what you care about is making music, then playing effortlessly becomes an inevitable necessity - especially as you age. I think that at any point in your journey you should be open to any avenue that may provide you with the ability to release and play with ease, no matter if you are an amateur or professional. It is a perspective that many of us are not accustomed to but is integral in the development of your relationship to your instrument."
- Puya A., violinist
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are the best way to get personalized attention to your specific needs and to relieve pain and raise self-awareness most quickly.
New to the Alexander Technique? Come for a free trial lesson.
A single lesson is $100/hour.
The eight lesson package includes eight hour-long private lessons for $700 (a 12.5% discount).
My monthly lesson package includes 4 private lessons per month and discounts on certain group classes. Three-month minimum. $320/month (a 20% discount).
Don't live in Philadelphia? Schedule a lesson via video chat. $70
Need help paying for lessons? I accept a limited number of financial needs students. You can apply here.
GROUP CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Group classes are a great way to learn, especially if this is your first contact with Alexander Technique, if cost is an issue for you, or if you just love learning alongside others.
I teach group classes and workshops at wellness centers, meditation centers, yoga studios, music instrument shops, dance schools, and with musical ensembles.
See below for my upcoming workshop schedule.
You can also request that I teach a workshop at your place of work or play. Just contact me here.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Saturday 10/27/19 10:00-4:00
6665 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia 19119
"Your Body Is Your Instrument"
Alexander Technique workshop for strings
$125 (some financial aid available for students)
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS
Saturday 10/20/18 10:00-11:30AM
Philadelphia Shamabhala Center, Center City
"The Awakened Body: Alexander Technique for Meditators"
Monthly Group Class
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Workshop description and details
Saturday 11/4/18 1:00-2:30PM
Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, Germantown
"Alexander Technique for Circus Arts"
Introductory Workshop
Price not yet set
Registration TBA
Workshop description and details
Saturday 11/17/18 10:00-11:30AM
Philadelphia Shamabhala Center, Center City
"The Awakened Body: Alexander Technique for Meditators"
Monthly Group Class
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Workshop description and details
Saturday 12/1/18 11:00AM-12:30PM
Springboard Studio, Mount Airy
"The Awakened Body: Alexander Technique for Meditators"
Intro Workshop
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Workshop description and details
Saturday 12/15/18 10:00-11:30AM
Philadelphia Shamabhala Center, Center City
"The Awakened Body: Alexander Technique for Meditators"
Monthly Group Class
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Over the years I have taught many workshops, including the following:
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Philadelphia Shambhala workshops with meditation instructor Alexander DeVaron, combining Alexander Technique and meditation
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Philadelphia Shambhala Urban Retreat, providing assistance as an Alexander Technique teacher
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"No More Back Pain" Workshop series with the Mt. Airy Learning Tree
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Alexander Technique workshops for strings players at Mount Airy Violins & Bows
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Alexander Technique workshops at yoga & wellness centers
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Alexander Technique workshop for music students at West Chester University
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Alexander Technique workshops for the Philadelphia Flute Fair
If you would like me to teach a workshop at your place of business or play, please contact me at josepharnoldstudios@gmail.com. Thanks!
WORKSHOPS
FOR
PAIN-RELIEF {} MINDFULNESS {} EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE
THE EMPOWERED BODY
Alexander Technique for Pain-Relief, Strength, and Stress-Reduction
Do chronic pain, stress, or tension interfere with doing things you love? In this workshop you will learn how to tune in to your body and use movement to relieve pain, reduce stress, and move more freely.
Working in individual lessons or in groups participants will engage in movement activities, receive hands-on body movement guidance, and learn practical techniques for healthier posture, ergonomics, and body/mind integration using the Alexander Technique, a 100-year-old holistic system of body awareness and movement re-education.
Joseph Arnold is an Alexander Technique teacher based in Philadelphia, PA.
THE MUSICAL BODY
Alexander Technique for Effortless Performance
Imagine the best performance of your life: You’re totally in control, in a state of flow, deeply connected to your craft. You might call it a state of “effortless mastery.” When it happens, it’s amazing - so why can’t we summon it on command?
We can. The key is getting out of your own way - noticing the patterns of thought, emotion, and movement that increase stress, and then practicing new patterns that create ease and productive focus.
In this workshop you will learn to cultivate “effortless mastery” using the Alexander Technique, a 100-year-old holistic system of body awareness and movement re-education. “Effortlessness” practices, hands-on movement explorations, and insights into stress management will be featured.
Participants are invited to bring their instruments or other tools used in practicing their craft.
Joseph Arnold is an Alexander Technique teacher based in Philadelphia, PA.
THE AWAKENED BODY
The Alexander Technique for Mindfulness Practice
We meditate for many reasons: to reduce stress, raise self-awareness and acceptance, discover new levels of connection and consciousness. Yet in our practice of “mindfulness,” we often forget the crucial role of the body in experiencing personal growth, connection, and insight - both on the cushion and in everyday life.
In this workshop, individual or group exercises will introduce you to the Alexander Technique, a 100-year-old holistic system of body awareness and movement re-education. Hands-on movement explorations, body-based guided meditations, and practical tips will help you to find the balance of awareness and relaxation so that you can meditate with more comfort and advance your practice.
Joseph Arnold is an Alexander Technique teacher based in Philadelphia, PA.