The Alexander Technique is a method that is taught in one-on-one lessons primarily through hands-on work from a teacher. It helps the postural system be more adaptive and, in turn, improves movement, balance, and overall well-being. Through randomized controlled studies, it has been shown to improve chronic neck and back pain and improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

Claire currently teaches Alexander Technique lessons out of her home in Macomb, Ill. She also created the 2023 Macomb Alexander Technique Series and has presented through Western Illinois University’s LIFE classes and School of Music Wellness Series. Prior to living in Macomb, Claire taught Alexander Technique lessons through Valparaiso University and Illinois Summer Youth Music and assisted in classes and workshops at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Roosevelt University, and the Music in the Mountains Festival. She has a particular interest in applying the Technique to dancers and musicians and has contributed articles on it in the American Harp Journal and the upcoming book Moving Into Skill: A Framework for Integration. Her doctoral thesis applied the Alexander Technique to harp performance and pedagogy. She has also presented on the Technique at the World Harp Congress in Dublin, the Alexander Technique Congress 2018, Lyon & Healy’s Harp Day 2018, and demonstrated the Dart Procedures at the 2014 Freedom to Move Conference in New York.

Claire’s interest in the Alexander Technique began during her undergraduate studies as a BFA in Dance. Fascinated by how movement patterns from child development underlie traditional technical pedagogies in dance and music, she applied the work of Professors Nettl-Fiol and Luc Vanier to harp performance. While in Urbana-Champaign, she also studied with local teacher trainees including Lauryn Hill, Andrew McCann, Cynthia Pipkin-Doyle, and many others. In 2013, she returned to Urbana to train with legendary teachers Alex and Joan Murray at Alexander Technique Centre Urbana. After receiving her certification, she continued to be based out of Urbana until 2018 and wrote a blog about the course, On the Course.