F. M. Alexander was born in Tasmania in 1869. He was working as an actor and reciter when he developed an acute vocal problem that severely hindered his career.

 

As no doctor could identify the reason for his vocal problems, he began to question what he was doing to cause his issues. Following years of self-observation and experimentation, F.M. Alexander developed a method to recognise and prevent habitual patterns, as well as improve general health and functioning. Although he regained the use of his voice, F.M. Alexander decided to teach his technique full time, developing what is known today as the Alexander Technique.

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He wrote four books and trained students to teach his technique before his death in 1955.