Graduates of the Northern California Center for the Alexander Technique
Sonia Shell
San Jose, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, July, 2007
I have always taught a couple lessons a week and received one since I graduated. I still think about doing less and "leaving myself alone" everyday. I notice improvements, and it is a fascinating, ongoing experience. I teach music lessons and practice and work on music. Also It is fun to use the technique in the senior center where I work. I love getting back to class at NCAAT when I can. The school is great and George Lister is a fine teacher.
Contact Information:
Phone: 408-712-1833
Email: banjosirena@yahoo.com
Website: www.useselfwell.com
Jonathan Salzedo
Sunnyvale, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, July, 2007
In 1975, I was a starting out harpsichordist observing that some musicians achieved their results with ease, and some with difficulty. While I could play quite well, I was aware that my approach had more to do with difficulty than ease. A chance conversation led me to read about the Alexander Technique and then to take lessons with Nelly Ben-Or and Rosemarie Gardner and most recently with George Lister. The power of this work has stood me in good stead, both as a successful freelance musician and as a technology developer in Silicon Valley. The desire to really understand the technique mixed with some good fortune led me to George’s teacher training course from 2004 to 2007. I have to confess that in spite of the simple ideas and George’s fine teaching I have still not got to the bottom of the Alexander Technique. Nevertheless its fundamental ideas of freedom continue to fuel my existence and bring me much joy.
I am married to my musical co-conspirator Marion Rubinstein. We have two grownup children who are fine musicians and are also interested in Alexander work. I hope that continued involvement in this work will help me to enjoy moving instruments, playing music and developing cool technology well into my old age.
Contact Information:
Phone: 408-245-6901 ~ (cell) 408-829-8116
Email: jonathan@salzedo.com
Website: www.salzedo.com
Greer Ellison
Palo Alto, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, April, 2007
I am enlightened and inspired every time I place my hands on an AT student. But the best thing about being part of the Alexander world is what the work does for me. I have skills that help me to make choices where I never knew I had a choice before. I can take time to think about what is best for me, physically and mentally before I react to a situation-- so that my actions might be more thoughtful and helpful to both of us. My students (flute or AT) need space to find their own pace of learning and if I don't take space for myself how can I expect them to do so? It makes a difference in my life and hopefully in the lives of others around me.
Contact Information:
Phone: 650-326-9008
Email: greere@gmail.com
Website: www.greerellison.com
Lee Anne Welch
Saratoga, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, June, 2011
I am a fiddle and violin instructor, teaching at my studio in Saratoga, CA and at three Waldorf schools. My teaching style has been influenced by the Alexander Technique and during music lessons I take the principles of the Alexander technique into consideration.
I am a founding member of the bluegrass band, "Sidesaddle and Company" (www.sidesaddleandco.com) and also perform with the contra dance band, "Bandemonium!" (www.ericdancepiano.com/Bandemonium.html)
Contact Information:
Phone: 408-867-4324
Email: leeannewelch@mac.com
Peter Estabrook
Santa Rosa, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, April, 2011
George and my classmates are with me every time I think about myself. This has been a wonderful journey and George has been a steadfast example of how to live a life based on what NOT to do. I am deeply grateful for having met him, stumbled onto (and through) the training course and to have the ongoing support and friendship of those who come and go from NCCAT. This work has been deeply influential on me and the teaching I do (music
and otherwise). I have difficulty clearly remembering what life was like without the principles at work in me and couldn't imagine being able to function without them.
I graduated from the training course in April of 2011 and have been teaching and learning the Technique formally and informally since that time. I have been privileged to give a few George-inspired (spontaneous, unprepared) talks and look forward to what lies on the horizon. Best wishes for poise, grace, freedom, ease and lightness.
Contact Information:
Email: peter@useselfwell.com
Website: www.northbayalexandertechnique.com
Kathleen Lucatorto
San Mateo, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, October, 2011
For me, the study of this work continues as a key element in the many aspects of my life because of its applicability, elegance, challenges, and, yes, its physical and psychological rewards. A profound opportunity for personal discovery, the Alexander Technique can be an enjoyable accessible experience for anyone who is willing to give it a try.
Contact Information:
Phone: 650-350-1892
Email: klucato@sbcglobal.net
David Levitt
San Jose, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, July, 2012
I came to the Alexander technique seeking relief from injuries related to sports, stress, PC/mouse use and three whiplash car crashes. I was mainly troubled by severe RSI in the neck, shoulders, wrists and arms along with a sore back and very crunchy knees. Over a 10 year period I tried every modality available. The Alexander technique is the only thing that has had a lasting impact on my health and I decided to train, at least initially, to help myself rather than to become an Alexander teacher. I found the technique an amazing way to maintain the self-awareness necessary to function easily and efficiently in a pain-free way.
I am currently offering Alexander technique lessons in the South Bay and Peninsula while assisting with ongoing training at NCCAT.
Contact Information:
Phone: 408-998-9490
Email: david@davidlevitt.net
Website: www.DavidLevitt.net
Jeanne Benioff
Redwood City, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, July, 2012
Training with George Lister at the NCCAT has probably been the most transformative period of my life. I was desperate to find some relief from terrible neck and shoulder tension; Alexander Technique gave me that, in a far deeper and more powerful way than I could ever have imagined or hoped for.
Along with that relief from neck and shoulder tension, I began to feel more ease and freedom in my favorite activities: swimming, hiking, gardening, and singing. My attitude and thinking have profoundly changed as well. In other words, every aspect of my life has been affected by the Alexander Technique!
As an added dividend I found I enjoy teaching! It’s so gratifying to see Alexander’s principles in practice when working with my students. I’m fascinated to share in each student’s journey of self-discovery.
Contact Information:
Phone: 650-364-8119
Email: jbenioff@comcast.net
Website: www.jeannebenioff.com
Daina Block
Graduated from NCCAT, July, 2013
Initially I came to the study of the Alexander Technique to alleviate pain. Re- occurring injuries, followed by the process of healing seemed to be cyclical. It was here while training at NCCAT , in a calm, thoughtful and inclusive environment that I realized it wasn't the therapy or types of movements that kept me bound to pain but how I went about practicing them. I'm a freelance choreographer, dancer and performing Arts teacher. I've noticed a qualitative evolution in my Arts practice, my work takes shape differently and my movements are less stressful on my body.
In general, my awareness and recognition have deepened because of this work. It's freeing to move, speak and think with ease and lightness.
Contact Information:
Phone: 408-712-1833
Email: dainablock@gmail.com
Website: www.dainablock.com
Gail Gurman
San Francisco, CA
Graduated from NCCAT, June, 2015
In 1989, after sustaining a serious injury, I was told I would never paint again. At the time I had achieved a fairly sophisticated skill level and painting meant everything to me. Three years later I became acquainted with the Alexander Technique which has had a profound influence on the evolution of my work. The Alexander Technique teaches how to use your body to its best mechanical advantage, allowing movement to occur naturally and without interference. Movement is initiated by the thought - the direction of energy and release. This is how I want to paint. Although I have never been interested in teaching the Technique, the training has been an important part of my continued exploration of dealing with my physical limitations - what is possible rather than what I cannot do.
Contact Information:
Email: grg@gailgurman.com
Website: www.gailgurman.com