Pieter van der Grinten

Pieter (pronounced as Peter) was born and grew up in Holland. He studied music at the Maastricht conservatory, the cello being his main instrument. He then moved to the UK in order to continue his music studies.

Between 1994 and 1997 he also trained to become an Alexander Teacher under Walter and Dilys Carrington; both of whom where trained by FM Alexander, the creator of the technique.

The choice of the Alexander Technique was prompted by Pieter's realization that his cello-playing was being hampered by postural bad habits in combination with an end-gaining* attitude which demands success at any cost and made him try too hard. Learning and applying the Alexander Technique has enabled him to perform without pain and greater freedom of movement and expression. Since qualifying as a teacher Pieter has lived and worked in the Hertfordshire area. He is a member of STAT, the society of teachers of the Alexander Technique.

The Alexander Technique continues to be a means for him to develop further the fine skills required in activities such as cello playing, horse riding and tai ji quan.

*...but in my experience I have found that the moment the idea of performing any act in that procedure comes to him, his habit of "end-gaining" causes him to try to "do" the act in the habitual way that feels right,...
The Use of the Self by F. Matthias Alexander (Methuen, 1932, London) page 63