“It has been my good fortune to study the Alexander Technique with a few of the best teachers in the country (on both coasts), and Bill Plake is certainly to be counted among them. His empathy is unparalleled, his own teaching technique is superb, and his vast knowledge is constantly renewed by an insatiable curiosity. He also happens to be a superior musician and this gives him deep insight into the physical and mental relationships musicians have as they address their instruments.”

George McMullen, professional trombonist, New York and Los Angeles

“My lessons with Bill have been a fascinating exploration of ‘how I do music’, focused on the essential kinesthetic awareness which his direct experience with the Alexander Technique brings.  The practice of unifying our awareness, encompassing our mental, physical and spiritual selves is enhanced with Bill’s breadth of  knowledge in music, anatomy, neuroscience, languages and philosophy.  He is a teacher who is open, committed to learning and always bringing something more to the moment. Working with Bill is changing the way I practice, hear, think about and play music. As I learn with him, I am actually teaching myself how to play in a more liberated manner.”

– Paul Livingstone, professional sitarist, concert artist, studio musician, composer, music educator

Remote/Online Services

Alexander Technique Movement Assessments For Musicians 

I can provide a consultation assessing your movement habits as they pertain to playing your instrument. My aim here is to bring your awareness to some of the movement and postural habits you have that might be causing pain and/or other difficulties (such as coordination, tempo, or intonation issues, etc.) as you play your instrument.

I’ll give you a detailed (but easily understood) assessment as well as practical advice about how you can begin to change your habits. We’ll also look at how you hold and position your instrument, and I’ll give you some practical self-care strategies to help you stay healthy and pain free. This is a viable alternative if you don’t have access to a certified Alexander Technique teacher in your area. My rate is $90.00 for a 1-hour consultation, which includes a written, detailed evaluation and suggested changes for your improvement. I will be happy to speak with you by phone for a 10-minute consultation for free, so that you can see if you’d like to go forward with your full 1-hour consultation. Contact me to set up and appointment or to learn more. For all online lessons you’ll need: a Webcam, a computer (with decent processing speed), and some kind of remote capacity (FaceTime, Zoom, etc.)

Help for Musicians with Focal Dystonia

As a saxophonist who has (and who effectively manages) task-specific hand dystonia, I have experience in helping other musicians with both hand and embouchure dystonia. Using the principles of the Alexander Technique, I can help you become aware of, and prevent or lessen, the “whole body/whole self” habitual patterns that are manifesting themselves as dystonic symptoms.

I have studied extensively (and continue to study) the science related to task-specific focal dystonia, including neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience and kinesiology. I carry a fairly extensive working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the bones, muscles, joints, etc., with a particular focus on facial muscles, vocal mechanisms, the breathing apparatus, and the structures of the hands, arms and shoulder girdle. It is my aim to provide you with the knowledge, skills and strategies to effectively address your condition.

I feel deep empathy for any musician who has focal dystonia, and always proceed  with kindness, respect, honesty and hope. This is truly my passion. I do this work both in person and remotely. Please contact me to learn more.

Rhythm Coach 

If you’re either having problems related to time and rhythm, or would like some help in developing a methodical and comprehensive course of study/practice for cultivating your skills with time, rhythm, meter and feel, I now offer a specialized educational package meticulously designed to help you, no matter your current ability level. The work involves one-on-one sessions (Zoom or FaceTime), notated musical exercises, readings and other constructively prescribed activities for growth and improvement. Click here to learn more!

Practice Coaching/Trouble Shooting

If you’re getting stuck in your progress, I can assess your problems in relation to your practice routine (with respect to your goals) and help you design and implement a practice program that will get you back on track to improvement,  growth and satisfaction. My approach to coaching is holistic, meaning that I look at everything, from what you are doing with your body as you practice, to your attitude/self talk, to your management of practice time, to  practice structure strategies, to your practice environment and equipment, and more. I always proceed with kindness, compassion and genuine curiosity. We can work remotely (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.) and use email for questions, concerns, etc.. My rate is $85.00 for a one-hour session, including any and all exercises that I write for you. Please contact me to set up and appointment or to learn more. For all online lessons you’ll need: a Webcam, a computer (with decent processing speed), and a Zoom account or FaceTime.

Lessons/Coaching in Jazz Improvisation

Whether you’re a beginner, or a more seasoned player who’d like to find some new ways to approach improvisation, I can help.

For beginning improvisers, I’ll show you how to avoid a lot of the most common frustrations that many novices to this art form needlessly struggle with. Improvisation is a natural, human activity, that all musicians are capable of enjoying. You can learn to find and cultivate your personal, expressive voice starting from your first lesson.

For the more advanced improviser, my specialty is in helping you expand your tonal and rhythmic vocabulary, in order to help you cultivate a unique, personal expression. We’ll work with deepening your understanding and application of the materials of music, including advanced harmonic concepts, melodic and thematic development, rhythmic control and imagination, eartraining, form/structure, and more.

My rate is $85.00 for a one-hour session, including any and all exercises that I write for you. Please contact me to set up and appointment or to learn more. For all online lessons you’ll need: a Webcam, a computer (with decent processing speed), and a Zoom account or FaceTime.

In Person Services

I offer lessons in the Alexander Technique, improvisation lessons for all instrumentalists at all levels, and saxophone lessons for all levels. I’m located in South Pasadena, California, a few minutes northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Lessons in the Alexander Technique

• $95.00 for a one-hour lesson
• $450.00 for a series of five lessons
• $850.00 for a series of ten lessons