Amanda Blair MacDonald

ntakagi — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:17:44 +0000

Amanda Blair MacDonald ntakagi Wed, 08/28/2024 - 15:17

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.

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”

Academic Title

Alexander Technique Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

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)

Department

Community Music School

Department Head

Off

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

amacdonald@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Wed, 08/28/2024 - 12:00

Location(s)

Winnetka

Name

Amanda Blair MacDonald

Personal Website / Link

https://www.amandablairmacdonald.com/

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

847.905.1500

Photo

Blair MacDonald, Amanda copy_0.jpg

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

Program Area

Private Instruction

Enrichment

Weight