The MBMS Prelude Program

A 2-Level Introductory Certificate Program in Alexander Technique & Body Mapping Applied to Music Education & Performance

For Musicians & Music Teaching Professionals – Vocal & Instrumental

Now accepting applications.

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What is the MBMS Prelude Program?

Dear Colleague,

MBMS Founder & Director Peter Jacobson here.

Thank you for your interest in The MBMS Prelude Program, a 2-level introductory certificate program designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of the Alexander Technique and Body Mapping as applied to music education and performance.

Level I consists of 40 hours of study and Level II consists of 80 hours of study.

Over the years, through the various iterations of this program, it's been so exciting to watch program participants discover the most expansive, healthy and creative version of themselves through this program.

This program is geared towards:

Music Teaching Professionals (studio music teachers, classroom teachers, ensemble directors, coaches) – who are looking for new ideas to bring greater power, creativity and impact to your work.
Vocal and/or Instrumental Musicians – who have a deep interest in reaching their full artistic potential.

As the program name suggests, this is the prelude to all other advanced levels of study within the Mind Body Music School.

This page contains important information about the curriculum, how the program works, and other important course details. If you are excited by what you see on this page, I invite you to complete the application or reach out to me personally so we can talk further.

In Music,
Peter Jacobson
Founder & Director
The Mind Body Music School

How The Program Will Benefit You

This program will benefit many areas of your life:

Your Artistry

Get full access to your artistic potential
Discover creative new ways of expressing yourself

Your Body

Experience natural relief from tension, pain and stress
Learn how your body is designed to move most efficiently and naturally

Your Practicing & Performing

Learn how to increase your focus, concentration and self-awareness
Learn lasting and effective solutions to deal with performing-related fear and anxiety

Your Health & Well-Being

Enjoy greater vitality and energy
Learn how to find peace of mind and calm in your teaching and life

Your Teaching

Help your students solve body and voice tension problems more effectively
Experience more ease and spaciousness in your teaching

The program includes:

A practical curriculum specifically designed for musicians & music educators
A warm and nurturing learning environment
A supportive and non-competitive community
Engaging and meaningful discussions
Experiential learning activities and movement explorations
Respect for each person’s unique individual journey

How to Program Works

This is a "choose your own adventure" program meaning that you'll put together a course of study that works best for you and your needs.

The only required course is "Body Freedom for Musicians: The Alexander Technique & Body Mapping in Action" which must taken at the beginning of your studies. This course is offered as part of the MBMS Academy Community or as a standalone course at various times throughout the year.

After you complete that course you can earn your hours through a variety of ways:

The MBMS Academy Community Classes
MBMS Online Courses
Live Events – 1-Day City Workshops and Retreats

Other Important Info

Level I certification be earned entirely online.
After Level I you will be eligible to join the MBMS Pro Teacher Training Program.
Level II certification requires a minimum of 20 hours of live in-person study.
85% of your hours must be earned through live attendance. 15% of your hours can be earned through watch recordings of online classes.

An Important Note

Students who complete the program requirements will be awarded an official certificate of study for each level they complete. These certificates will signify that you have a basic intellectual and embodied understanding of the Alexander Technique and Body Mapping and their direct application to music education and performance.

This program does NOT certify you as a teacher of the Alexander Technique.

However, after Level I you have the option of applying for the MBMS Pro Teacher Training Program.

If you have any questions, please email program director Peter Jacobson.

Student Testimonials

Click here to read what students of previous versions of this program have to say

“This program has totally transformed my teaching in so many ways.”

“I have gone from a very vague teacher to a very specific and informed teacher. I am learning a new more patient and kind way to teach. I am being given the tools to teach in a student-motivated way; encouraging them to ask questions and explore so that they are better equipped to learn on their own. I am learning how to teach my students to be more kind to themselves and grow in confidence in their singing.

There is not an area of my teaching that hasn’t been made better because of my work in this program.”

Karen Archbold, Program Graduate
Singer & Voice Teacher in Chicago, IL

“I love to sing. This work has brought that back to me and I am immensely grateful. In fact I am singing better than I have in years.”

“My student sends me messages 'Thank you for the amazing lesson!' and that warms my heart. I don’t know what the future will bring but I know that I will stay part of this wonderful group because I love everything I have learned and all the beautiful people I have met.”

Joan Barber, Program Graduate
Singer & Voice Teacher in Lewes, DE

"For my pleasant surprise, class by class I realized that I was actually (re)learning not only how to use and access my body but to get in deeper touch with myself as a whole..."

"...my psychophysic - and may I add, cultural, social, ancestral - unity, with softness, subtlety and kindness; a way to learn through process and not results. As a voice coach - and most of my students don’t have the goal to become professional singers - the idea of process has been leading the way for many years: enjoying the voice, exploring it, hearing what it tells about the present moment, what it reveals of the past, of expectations."

Victor Castelo, Program Graduate
Singer & Voice Coach in Brasilia, Brazil

"This work has come at such an opportune time, and it is permeating my whole life and being."

"My teaching life, my professional life, my health, my students, everything. It's time to slow down, to stop ignoring my whole self or isolating one part, and it's time to work to let my body (and the bodies of my students) be whole again."

Tiffany Owens, Program Graduate
Singer & Voice Teacher in Cincinatti, OH

“The most surprising and profound thing that I learned during this first level was recognizing that my primary job as a teacher is to first take care of myself.”

“To create the environment and do the things that support me and my own well being and coordination. That it is only when we are grounded in this as the central focus that we will be able to make space for and be present with our students, to really listen to them and respond to what they desire to learn. And in modeling our own well being and coordination we are providing them with a lasting gift...that they, too, can be with themselves and “come home to themselves” and that this is always available to them, to all of us. I’m okay, you’re okay. I’m excited to continue to learn and grow. Let’s play!”

Natalie Ford Sajdak, Program Graduate
Singer & Voice Teacher in Milwaukee, WI

“I am so glad that I decided to sign up for this program."

“I have learned much more that benefits my everyday life beyond music. I am super excited to continue to work with the techniques shared. It excites me to already see a difference in my lifestyle and singing style. I can only imagine what more exploration would do and what future courses would offer. All in all, it comes down to my choice to make the change for the better. Thank you Peter for your choice to share this information with others."

Rose Sanders, Program Graduate
Singer & Voice Teacher in Winnipeg, ON

“When I signed up for this program, I thought I might learn something useful to maybe improve my singing. I have gained so much more!"

“The things I have learned have affected me in amazing ways. Not only can I sing better than every before, but I have less physical pain; I have clearer direction in where I want my life to go; I have found new connection between my spirit and the Creator of the universe. I am excited to explore further, to learn more, and to discover where my journey will lead.”

Suzanne Lutz, Program Graduate
Singer & Teacher in Albuquerque, NM

“What I truly have appreciated about this course is that nobody is trying to restructure the way you teach.”

“Nobody is trying to say you have bad habits, or that you are doing it wrong. Nobody is chiding you or trying to rework your teaching. What is happening here is self-discovery of how we can find what is going to improve our relationships with our students, and building on that, how they and we can improve what we need to improve. It’s an extraordinary thing, this discovery of self.”

Martha Springstead, Program Graduate
Accompanist & Voice Teacher in Virginia Beach, VA

"This program has given me tools, knowledge, confidence, and the desire to explore all that my voice can be."

"In just one course, my voice was transformed from what it was. Now I have so much joy in creating music with my voice!”

Midge McMoyer Smith, Program Graduate
Accompanist, Singer & Teacher in Houston, Texas

Tuition

Your tuition for the MBMS Prelude Program will vary depending on the curriculum that you select. You can roughly plan to invest the following:

Level I (40 Hours) – $750 to $1,250
Level II (80 Hours) – $1,500 to $2,500

There is a $100 administration fee for each level paid at the beginning of your studies.

Scholarships

Limited need-based scholarships. To receive scholarship funding you must have the capacity to participate fully in the program and be able to say, in good faith, that you wouldn't be able to participate without financial assistance. If you meet these criteria, you can indicate your interest in a scholarship on the application form.

If you have any questions about tuition, incentives or scholarships, please email program director Peter Jacobson.

How to Apply

Acceptance into the program is by application only.

After you complete your application, Peter will be in touch within 2 business days to talk about next steps.