Tanya Bénard

Tanya Bénard


Certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique

I first encountered the Alexander Technique while pursuing a career as a professional musician and was so impressed with its benefits that I decided to train as a teacher myself. I graduated from the Toronto School of the Alexander Technique in 2004 and have been teaching the Technique privately in both Toronto and Halton ever since. Since 2005, I have also taught the Alexander Technique at The Royal Conservatory, where I’m best known for developing and teaching a popular and longstanding Alexander Technique program for The Glenn Gould School.

For those who may not have heard of the Alexander Technique, people have been using it for over 100 years to address problems like excess tension, back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and postural issues. It teaches people to move with more ease and support and can also be helpful in managing stress. The Technique is best known in the performing arts but is used increasingly by people from all walks of life to address a wide range of challenges, both physical and psychological. This article in Oprah magazine, A Dramatic Cure for Back Pain, summarizes a study in the British Medical Journal, finding the Alexander Technique to be a highly effective and economical approach to low back pain.

In addition to working with people one-on-one, I’m a frequent presenter on the Alexander Technique. I hold additional qualifications in pedagogy (‘how people learn,’ with a focus on the mind/body connection) and in child development. I bring to my current work extensive experience as a music educator, working with both children and adults. My work with children has led to me to a deep appreciation for presenting things in simple and engaging terms and for the role of play and exploration in learning at any age!

If you have any further questions about the Alexander Technique and how it might interact with your interests or concerns, please contact me directly at Tanya@alexandertech.ca or 416-805-9893. You can also view more information at www.alexandertech.ca.