AmSAT Annual Conference and General Meeting

Name: AT spirals and ease in violin and viola playing
Start: 2026-06-26T11:45:00-0400
End: 2026-06-26T13:15:00-0400

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AT spirals and ease in violin and viola playing

LIMITED

Friday June 26, 2026 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop is geared towards string players, violists and violinists in particular, as well as AT teachers and trainees interested in learning various approaches to working with musicians.
The workshop revolves around answering one question: how do we embody ease while playing a string instrument?

In service of asking this question, the workshop is structured to cover the following sections:

Applied AT principles:

-Biotensegrity - release and muscle tone
-Head - Neck - Back (& pelvis)
-Breath
-Oral seal
-Solar plexus release
-The hand loop - oppositional flow and throughness
-Arm spirals
-Reliable sensory appreciation - individual hands-on and mirror work
-The ground - heels and big toes
-Ankles - knees - hip joints
-Spirals and the underneath support

String playing:

-Collarbones
-The chinrest - opposition and the oral seal
-Left-hand finger throughness - dexterity and vibrato
-Bow hand - counterspirals, tone and articulation
-Resonance
-Some challenges:
Protection instinct - fetal position
Pelvis orientation and rotation
Left-shoulder away from right hip
-Musical habits and everyday life
-Local and global focus
-Q & A

The order of these topics are meant to build on each other, moving the applications of the AT principles from the general to the specific, and back to a bigger picture for a holistic integration.

This presentation is a boiled-down exposition of my current understanding of how the Alexander Technique can enhance the wellbeing and performance of musicians. It is also an autobiographical account of my continuing journey of integrating AT work with my music teaching and performing practices.

This workshop is designed to accommodate for the following types of attendees: music students and teachers, as well as AT trainees and teachers interested in working with musicians. The activities can vary their focus and implementation based on the ratio of attendees. AT teachers and trainees may be invited to assist in giving hands-on to musicians with less AT experience.
Additionally, I may offer hands-on to a selection of attendees during the various activities.

The pacing of the workshop would also vary, for example, with less time spent in the first half of the program if the majority of attendees have a high level of experience with AT work. This would allow more time for exploring string specific topics in more detail, as well as a lengthier Q & A.

Activities can be adapted to standing or sitting depending on the needs of all involved.
Which also pairs perfectly with string playing, which often requires a knowledge of how to work in both scenarios.

Speakers

Ofelia Ruiz-Alonso

Ofelia is a violist and an AT teacher based in Tijuana, Mexico.
As an Alexander teacher, she is both an active member of the American Society for the Alexander Technique (AmSAT), and the Mexican Association of Alexander Technique Teachers (APTAM).

She trained under Ann Rodiger in N... Read More →

Friday June 26, 2026 11:45am - 1:15pm EDT
W3

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AmSAT Annual Conference and General Meeting

Ofelia Ruiz-Alonso

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AmSAT Annual Conference and General Meeting

Ofelia Ruiz-Alonso

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