Mark Josefsberg

P.L., Attorney writes:
I suffered a herniated disc in my lower back which hopitalized me, paralyzed my left leg for several days, and wasted the muscles all the way down to the calf. Although the doctors were excellent, they had no magic cure for this injury. ... Swimming pools and a home-based physical therapy program helped some. However, with the assistance of Mark Josefsberg, and the Alexander Technique, I really became confident in motions involving the back and leg. I am now once again playing a musical instrument and riding my bike. More importantly, I have been able to mitigate the pain to the point that it does not intefere with my work as an attorney, whether I am at my desk or in the courtroom. Mark is a talented and patient teacher, and I highly recommend him and the Alexander technique to anyone who believes his/her occupation may be at risk due to pain and limitations in the neck or back, or anyone who just wants to feel better.

B.M., Professional Drummer writes:   Drumming
While performing on drums, my left arm was freezing to the point of not being able to play. I had a constant sharp pain around my elbow. I wasn't getting a good sound on my drums. My psoas muscle was always tight and contracted. My ankle was weak, and my balance was very precarious. I was constantly dragging my left foot, and catching myself so as not to fall. One day I did fall, and broke my nose.
     After Alexander Technique Lessons with Mark, I am able to play for as long as is necessary without the intense pain. I'm getting a better, richer sound on my drums. I'm hardly ever dragging my foot, and I no longer feel as if I'm going to fall.
The following was added a few months later:   When I went for my physical this year my doctor measured my height and said I was 5 ft; 5in. I had her double check it, because I had never been taller than 5 ft; 4¾ in!   How cool is that?

G.F., Tax Accountant/Musician writes:
Just wanted to thank you for hipping me to the Alexander Technique. Although I've only taken a few lessons so far, they have definitely helped me through this tax season. My back is actually doing well... if I feel the pain starting, I can now make it go away. Can't wait to take more lessons! The 'monkey' has enabled me to lift stuff again. It's great! Thanks, Mark
(The following was added a few months later concerning G.F.'s golfing, as he now is virtually pain-free)
     Gripping the club with my 'fingers only', keeping everything else released, and leading with the fingers and thinking 'up out and away', results in a very powerful swing. ... whether playing golf or an instrument, I'm finding that with the proper technique you can 'lead' a golf ball much farther than you can 'push' it... likewise, you can only 'push' your instrument so far, but you can lead it almost anywhere.

M.K., Actress writes:
I am a young actress who has been told by several acting instructors to seek out Alexander lessons. Having studied for only three weeks with Mark so far, I realize what a valid suggestion my teachers were offering me. ... I have a strong emotional instrument that makes me right for dimensional women but my physical authority on stage is incongruent with where I am emotionally willing to go. ... I have a long body that I am self-concious of. I have a lot of presence and as a female, I think I fear my size on stage and in life. I find myself compacting my body in order to meet society's standards. Mark, in less than a month has helped me acknowledge the full size of my instrument. It will take consistant work over a significant period of time to learn to live in my extended length but I know it will contribute immeasureably to my potential as an artist.