Surya Cox is a qualified Alexander Technique teacher with a classical, folk and jazz music background. She says the two disciplines perfectly complement each other in her work and her life.

“I have always loved music and singing, ever since I was a kid. I was very encouraged to play music by my mother when I was growing up. I used to play the cello and before I started practising Alexander Technique [a process that helps re-educate people about their posture and breathing], I would find that my neck would seize up. When I went back to music after my Alexander Technique training, I found I was able to free up my body more when I was playing, and I became aware of some of my postural habits.

“Because of this, my interest kept growing. I could see that it had a big effect on me at many levels so I talked to some friends in London who were training to become Alexander Technique teachers. That helped me decide that I would go and train myself."

To do this, Surya had to travel overseas. "Unlike New Zealand, there are a lot of courses on offer in Australia, the US and the UK. I decided I would study at the Alexander Training Centre in Brighton. 

“The great thing about the Alexander Technique," says Surya, "is that it gives you a map that shows you how to change your unhelpful habits. As I continued to train, I realised I could help musicians with their craft, as the technique is all about freeing up your breath, body and voice. Perfect to help people make music without tension.

“I guess what I do with people, particularly with the voice work, is teach them how to use their voices effectively; how to use their body as a good resonator – get them to think of their body as a good sounding board through breath support and good posture.”

Surya says helping people realise their potential is hugely rewarding.“ Alexander Technique is about helping people learn to make the best of what they’ve got – whether it’s working with musicians, singers, dancers, actors or sportspeople, or with someone who needs rehabilitative care. It’s a two-way thing between a teacher and pupil to work together to change the habits of a lifetime."