Study at MATTS

Participating in the working life of the school

In addition to individual lessons and professional teacher training, MATTS operates as an ongoing practical learning environment in which people may participate through classes, workshops and group work.

These sessions are open to a wide range of people, including complete beginners, long-term students of the Alexander Technique, musicians, other performing artists, healthcare professionals, trainee teachers, qualified teachers and visitors from other training courses.

Experienced teachers, trainees, visitors and long-term students work alongside one another in a practical and collaborative environment. The atmosphere is focused, friendly and non-judgemental, and many visitors value the opportunity to work with different teachers and approaches within the ordinary rhythm of the school.

For some people, individual lessons remain the most suitable way to study the Alexander Technique. Others find that participation in the school environment adds an important additional dimension through observation, discussion, practical experimentation and sustained contact with teachers and fellow students.

Some people attend only occasionally. Others return regularly over many years. Some eventually decide to undertake professional training, and many continue simply because they value the atmosphere and the opportunity for ongoing practical study.

A practical and collaborative environment

Visitors participate alongside qualified teachers, trainee teachers and experienced long-term students as part of the ordinary working life of the school.

A typical day may include:

practical hands-on work
guided activities and “games”
semi-supine work
movement exploration
anatomy lectures, readings and group discussion sessions
voice or breathing work
supervised teaching practice
visiting teachers and workshops

Because several teachers are usually present, visitors almost always receive practical attention and support from a number of teachers over the course of a session.

The school is particularly suited to people who enjoy sustained practical exploration within a collaborative learning environment.

Visiting the school

Many people first encounter MATTS through regular classes and practical sessions before deciding whether to undertake more sustained study or professional training.

Prospective trainee teachers who have a choice about where to study are encouraged to visit several training courses before deciding where to train.

Visitors are welcome throughout the year and attendance is completely flexible with regard to both timing and length of visits.

→ Teacher training
→ Intensive study
→ Continuing professional development & postgraduate study