Meet Julia Bullard
Julia Bullard enjoys a diverse career as a violist, Alexander Technique teacher, university professor, and academic leader. She currently serves as Director of the School of Music at Georgia State University. Other academic appointments have included positions at the Bailey School of Music at Kennesaw State University and the University of Northern Iowa. She is the violist of Trio 826, whose album MOSAIC was released in 2016 (Blue Griffin Records). She has performed as a soloist, orchestral, and chamber musician, and has presented guest artist recitals and master classes at universities and conservatories across the US and abroad.
Dr. Bullard holds degrees from Temple University (Bachelor of Music, Master of Music) and the University of Georgia (Doctor of Musical Arts). She serves on the board of AmSAT (the American Society for the Alexander Technique), and holds AmSAT teacher certification through the Minnesota Center for the Alexander Technique.
Julia offers Alexander Technique lessons tailored specifically to the student’s interests. Students may wish for help with managing stress, physical injuries or chronic pain, general improvement of mind-body connection and physical ease and comfort, or activity-based guidance for nearly any type of activity that the student wishes to explore. Activities might include everyday things like sitting at a desk, standing, walking, typing or writing, or more complex things like public speaking, physical activities or sports, or the performing arts – anything that a student wishes to do with more poise, comfort, and confidence. Julia also offers private instruction in viola and violin for advanced students, and specialized Alexander Technique instruction and coaching designed especially for musicians.
ABOUT
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Performance Coaching
Music Instruction
SERVICES
What I offer
Lessons are suitable for anyone wishing to find greater ease in any activity, improve mobility, reduce stress and physical tension, or explore the mind-body connection. We may incorporate simple movements like sitting, standing, and walking, as well as hands-on guided movement to help you experience new patterns with less effort and greater support. Please note, hands-on work is always at the student's discretion - I am also comfortable working hands-off, or even online!
Alexander
Technique Lessons
I teach viola and violin lessons for students from intermediate through advanced/professional levels. Whether you are a high school student preparing for college auditions, a college-level student seeking to improve your mind-body approach to performance, or a professional wishing to prepare for auditions, I integrate a deep knowledge of string pedagogy and performance with Alexander Technique principles. My goal is to help you develop a well-rounded approach to building healthy technique while developing your individual musicianship and expression. Together we'll work on effective, efficient practice habits and achieving greater ease and confidence in performance.
Viola & Violin Lessons
I offer coaching as an Alexander Technique teacher in the context of musical performance, collaborating with instrumental and vocal students who want to improve kinesthetic awareness, address postural challenges, and build effective practice and performance habits. I also help students reduce performance anxiety and build confidence through the Alexander Technique. I won't teach you to play your instrument the way your lesson teacher or coach would, but I'll offer suggestions to help you apply these principles to your performance, in collaboration with your teacher if you like.
Performance Coaching
I offer introductory workshops for groups such as teacher in-service workshops, music schools, university classes or departments, or business organizations. Alexander Technique can help with so many workplace situations - general wellness for people who sit at desks or work on computers for long periods of time, reducing anxiety around public speaking, managing stress and developing mindfulness skills - the list is endless! For university music programs, I offer sessions introducing AT principles and showing students how to apply these ideas immediately in the context of performance. Please drop me a note if you would like me to custom-design a program for your organization or group!
Group Classes & Workshops
The Practice:
Discover your habitual responses to stimuli, and how to change them
These are the automatic patterns you fall into without noticing — and once you can recognize them, you have the choice to respond differently.
Regulate your nervous system to manage stress and improve your mind-body coordination
A calmer nervous system means less reactivity to stress and a stronger connection between what your mind intends and how your body moves.
Refine your kinesthetic sense and rediscover your natural poise, ease, and balance
This is about reconnecting with the coordination and comfort that's already built into you, beneath years of tension and habit.
Apply these principles in activities
From the very simple (like standing, sitting, walking) to the complex (like playing an instrument or swinging a tennis racquet with ease and coordination.
Alexander Technique
A Hands-On, Guided Process
Alexander Technique Lessons
An Alexander Technique lesson involves hands-on, guided movement activities. It is not a form of therapy or medical treatment, but a somatic educational process. Many people who practice Alexander Technique report relief from chronic pain, a greater sense of overall well-being, improved mindfulness in daily activities, and reduced stress.
Alexander Technique lessons are helpful for anyone seeking to manage chronic pain, prevent repetitive strain injuries or a recurrence of injury (note: Alexander Technique is not a substitute for medical treatment, but can be an excellent complementary educational practice), improve coordination and balance, manage stress and nervous system reactivity, and improve posture, ease breathing, and kinesthetic awareness. Julia offers a free 15-minute phone or Zoom consultation to discuss how Alexander Technique lessons might help.
A series of at least 4 to 6 lessons is recommended for those new to the Alexander Technique, but the number and frequency of lessons are flexible. Some students take a few lessons and apply the information in their daily lives. Some take an extended series and check back in when they need extra guidance, and some continue lessons on a semi-regular basis for years.
A Closer Look
RATES
Book a Lesson or Consultation
Initial consultation
discussion only, not a lesson; strongly recommended for those new to Alexander Technique
15 minutes - FREE
Standard Lesson
Alexander Technique lesson, AT coaching for musicians, or standard viola/violin lesson
1 hour - $80
Full-time university students
(must confirm enrollment with university info and email)
50 minutes - $40
Full-time educators
(must confirm employment with university or school info and email)
50 minutes - $50