The Alexander Technique is named after Frederick Mathias Alexander (or F.M. as he was known to his friends).

Alexander was born in 1869 in Tasmania, Australia. He was a keen actor and loved the work of Shakespeare. He moved to mainland Australia to pursue a career reciting the Shakespeare's works.

As a young and promising actor, Alexander faced a problem which risked ending his career. His voice would become increasingly hoarse during performances, until he could barely produce any sound at all.

He consulted doctors, but they could not find any cause of this problem. Alexander reasoned that it could be something that he was doing to himself to cause the problem with his voice.

Using mirrors and careful observation of himself Alexander spent many years discovering his Technique. It resolved the problems with his voice and become a Technique of far-reaching benefits.

In 1904, Alexander moved to London to gain more recognition for his Technique. Alexander Technique became popular among many including the Shakespearean actor Sir Henry Irving, eminent thinkers George Bernard Shaw and Aldous Huxley, the great neurologist Sir Charles Sherrington and former Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Stafford Cripps.

In London he set up his school to train teachers of Alexander Technique and his work continues to be passed on today.

Alexander worked in London until his death in 1955.