Alexander Technique private and group sessions for drummers, and all humans.
I'm a certified Alexander Technique teacher (M.AmSAT) - offering private lessons and group classes. Experience a century-old method for learning and relearning better balance, coordination, and improved functioning of the mind-body as a whole.
- For musicians, dancers, actors, athletes, elders, computer users, and all who are curious about improving their coordination in general.
- Practice how to balance, sit, stand, walk, breath, and move with more ease and less tension, rediscovering your own power and improved performance.
- Students are guided through a process of self-discovery, building conscious awareness and choice in specialized and simple activities.
- The Alexander Technique has numerous benefits including injury prevention, recovery, and stress relief.
“The easiest I’ve felt playing drums in over 20 years....the work I’m doing with Richie is vital to having longevity as a performer.”
-- Ari Hoenig (Chris Potter, Kenny Werner, Jean Michel Pilc)
“I've been playing drum set for 15 years, and in the first lesson I started to think differently about my approach to the instrument."
---- Philip Mayer (Natalie Merchant, The Band’s Visit)
“I feel like I have more freedom to make music. It’s helped my playing a lot in general, even though my first concern was healing my tendinitis. I felt more stable and grounded - able to be more present in the music with less tension in my body."
-- Peter Mannheim (Alvin Ailey Dance drummer)
“Working with Richie has been unlocking my playing on a level that sheer amounts of orthodox practice might never have done. I highly recommend studying with him as a way of breaking through your technical and improvisational barriers!”
-- Jacob Joliff (Yonder Mountain String Band and the Jacob Jolliff Band)
“Richie Barshay is as much a master teacher as he is musician. The concepts that he brings to the table incorporating Alexander Technique and its application to drum set I've found to be profoundly eye opening, and something often overlooked in drum set education. Breath, posture, relaxation, touch, groove, tone, time feel. These are all concepts that can be worked on for a musician at any level (or instrument for that matter), and Richie, with his diverse wealth of knowledge offers guidance in a thoughtful, patient and effective way. What I've learned and continue to learn from Richie is invaluable."
-- Philip Mayer (Natalie Merchant, The Band’s Visit)
Classes in Northampton, MA
BYO Hand Drum Class
@ The Parlor Room School of Music
Bring your own hand drum to this global rhythm class open to all levels. If you’ve got a djembe, conga, pandeiro, or any hand percussion instrument that you want to practice in a group setting - this one is for you. Drumming technique, hand coordination, rhythmic fundamentals, body percussion, and deep groove will be explored in a fun and supportive environment. Limited hand drums available on request if you need one - please contact the Parlor Room in advance. Led by world renowned percussionist and teacher Richie Barshay (Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Esperanza Spalding, The Klezmatics).
Mondays 7:00-8:30pm
