"Your sessions were absolutely wonderful! Last night, as a matter of fact I was practicing the Bruch using the techniques I learned from you, and what a big difference it made."
My experience studying with Karen Oosterbaan has been nothing short of incredible. When I cam to her I had acute tendinitis from playing the
violin for a few years from my summers as a fellow at Tanglewood. She
recommended a period of complete rest from violin playing for a summer which
was devoted to work with the Alexander Technique. This work revolutionized
the way I use and communicate with my body. My old habits and tensions
subsided and I could now move and use my arms without pain or fatigue. I
began gradually playing again in the fall, applying the exercises that I had
learned to elements of violin technique. It was amazing to come back to the
violin, notice negative habits, and re-think physically and intellectually
the way I was using my muscles and bones to play.
Following a building-up program laid out by Karen, we continued to work
through the year to the happy result of a performance. I was of course
overjoyed to by playing again at all. But the work profoundly changed my
violin technique and I was amazed to find how much better I was
fundamentally set up to play. My sound at that point was freer and richer
than it had ever been, and my bowing and fingering much more relaxed and
natural. The violin practice applications of the Technique set me up to
learn that piece better than I'd learn any piece before, and the
performance was the most poised and fun of any that I can remember. My
violin playing is continuing to go in a really fantastic direction. She is
a natural teacher and clearly delights in teaching. Karen is very
conscientious in lessons, articulate about her instructions for exercises,
and continually adapting her explanations to get the result in the student
that she is looking for. I am so glad to have the opportunity to work with
her.
I have been working with Karen Oosterbaan on the Alexander Technique for about a year and a half. I began studying with her due to a tendonitis injury in my arm that I acquired while playing the cello. I respect Karen’s knowledge and talent as an Alexander teacher; she confidently guided me through this difficult time so that I could keep positive and make steady progress. Karen put in a large amount of work during her free time in order to create exercises that I could use while practicing the cello in order to incorporate the technique into my playing. She has also given me stretches that I use as a part of my daily routine in order to prevent re-injury. Most importantly, she has given me knowledge of a fascinating skill that I can continue to use throughout my music career as well as my day-to-day life. Karen is an enjoyable and passionate teacher, and I look forward to each and every
lesson.
The Alexander Technique is for anyone interested in learning how to perform a skill with more freedom, ease, and poise. It helps actors, musicians, dancers, writers, speakers, singers, computer programmers, and athletes move more efficiently. Through a process of re-education, it reduces stress, tension, and pain. For the general population, the Alexander Technique has proven to be beneficial for those who suffer from stress, high blood pressure, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines, fibromyalgia, repetitive strain injuries, sciatica, and back pain. Use of the Technique provides much more than relief from injury or even valuable maintenance, it is also very effective at enhancing performing skills.
"This was the most objective presentation I have seen in my experience at such workshops because it related directly to playing the violin efficiently."
—Linda Thompson, Private Studio Violin Teacher
"I felt very loose and relaxed. It was a great experience and I plan to use this in my playing."
—Nicholas Rhode, Student
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"Working with Karen has affected me in increasingly profound ways. When I am in a session with her, I relax more than I ever thought possible. At the same time, I am able to feel powerful and strong. I leave our sessions feeling both grounded and light. She does what so many have tried to do for me — reveal my habits in a safe and respectful way, giving me the tools that I need for releasing tension. She has shown me a self that moves with ease, focus, clarity, and compassion. In a myriad of ways, she has patiently explored the release of tension, opening me up to receive my life with dignity. I am deeply grateful for my time with her."
"The Alexander Technique is something that helps me stay balanced and secure."
"The Alexander Technique has diminished the sciatic pain that I have had for two and a half years. Much more of my time is pain free and I can exercise now that I know how to move more correctly. Karen’s enthusiasm, seriousness, and understanding have been powerful allies. She is a wonderful guide and teacher."