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Amanda Blair MacDonald, Music Institute's Alexander Technique Teacher
Alexander Technique Faculty
At MIC for 10 months 3 weeks
Email
amacdonald@musicinst.org
Location(s)
Courses

Alexander Technique for Musicians
(For all instruments)

Private Instruction (One-on-one private sessions are offered)
Group Classes:  
Alexander Technique for Musicians, Teens (grades 9-12)
Alexander Technique for Musicians, Adults (ages 18 and up)

Available For
Online
In-Person

Amanda Blair MacDonald is an AmSAT-certified Alexander Technique teacher with over 30 years of performing and teaching experience. She holds space for non-judgmental experimentation that will support you to move better, play better, and feel better. 

Amanda has had a lifelong interest in music and the performing arts. She grew up playing flute, guitar, and piano and has toured nationally and internationally with musical theatre and singing groups, performing in Switzerland, England, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and most of the 48 states on the US mainland. Favorite roles include: Mistress in Evita, Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Lola in Damn Yankees, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, and Mrs. Cratchit in Toby Nicholson’s musical version of A Christmas Carol. 

In addition to her experience as a performer, Amanda has an extensive background in teaching. Teaching credits include: DePaul University, Roosevelt University, University of Illinois: Chicago, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy-NY, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts-NY, The Ailey School, The 92nd Street Y, The Joffrey Academy and Community Engagement, and Chicago Lights. Her personal practice includes private lessons, group classes, and courses on Brain-Compatible Lesson Planning.

Education

Alexander Technique 1600-hour Teacher Training, Dimon Institute, New York, NY 

Movement Pattern Analysis, Warren Lamb Trust 

Professional Certificate in Musical Theatre Performance, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, NY 

MFA, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 

BA, University of the South, Sewanee, TN 

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Continuing Education work with Alexander Technique teacher trainers:
Joan and Alex Murray
Beret Arcaya
Luc Vanier
Judith Kleinman
Sue Merry
Mio Morales
Alice Olsher

Continuing education with Alexander Technique teacher trainers Beret Arcaya, Judith Kleinman, Sue Merry, Mio Morales, Joan and Alex Murray, Daria Okugawa, Alice Olsher, and Luc Vanier. 
Pain Science for Alexander Technique Teachers Course with Tim Cacciatore and Mari Hodges 

AmSAT Distinguished Service Award 2020 
AmSAT Certificate of Merit 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 

TEDx DePaul, April 2019: “How We Move Is How We Think” 

Professional Affiliations & Activities

American Society for the Alexander Technique 
Chair-Cycle 2025-2028 
Membership Chair 2019-2025 

Host and curator of over 60 online membership events 

Member AmSAT, ATME, ATHE, NDEO, WLT 

DePaul University Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee 
Associate Chair: 2024-2025 
Member: 2022-2025 

Upcoming Events

Related News

Resources & Guides
Experiencing pain or tension while playing your instrument? This blog offers practical tips to reduce strain, prevent injury, and play more comfortably—with the Alexander Technique as a valuable long-term tool for healthier playing.
News
Learn to move more comfortably, relieve tension and pain, improve posture, avoid injury, and ease anxiety.