FM Alexander was born in Tasmania in 1869.

He became an actor/recitor and it was due to experiencing difficulties with his voice during performance (that threatened to end his career) that he embarked upon a process of self observation and experimentation which evolved into what it now called the Alexander Technique.

Alexander maintained a keen interest in the theatre, but began teaching his method (initially under the banner of Breathing and Vocal Re-education) in both England and the United States. In 1931 he established his first formal training course in London to train teachers in the Alexander Technique. Alexander published several books (notably Mans Supreme Inheritance, Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual and Use of the Self).

Photograph of F.M.Alexander © 2005, The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, London.