F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian actor who began to experience a complete loss of voice whenever he performed.His doctor said there was nothing wrong with him. He realised it was something he was doing. Alexander solved the problem entirely on his own. He had not been aware that stress and tension in his neck and body were causing his problems, and developed new ways to speak and move with greater ease.
As his health improved, he realised he could also help his friends and several of the doctors he had consulted earlier persuaded him to teach others what he had learned. Over a career of more than fifty years, he refined his method of instruction. After teaching for over 35 years, he began to train teachers of what has now become known as the Alexander Technique.