I help people transform their limitations into opportunities to move, think and perform easier with more joy through somatic movement.

Testimonials from Feldenkrais Students of All Ages . . . .

• “Eight weeks after pelvic surgery, including 3 fractures and two 7-inch screws across my pelvis, I began working with Erin on zoom to loosen this region of my body. I was rigid, and my legs were linear In movement when I walked.  Through small circular movement exercises, my pelvic region began to free up, and my stride resumed a fluidity. Now, look at me climbing 12,000 ft mountains with relative ease after 10 weeks post surgery moving with strength and ease of movement.”

-Dr Libby Howell, Licensed psychologist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

• “Erin Finkelstein's work as a Feldenkrais Instructor is revelatory. I've had the privilege of working with her in both ATM classes and FI instruction. Erin expertly tailored her classes to the experiences of the singers and pianist in the Arizona Opera Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio. So often, we as performing artists find ourselves in technical and mental routines that inhibit peak performance. With her vast work as a professional musician, Erin provides the tools to maximize freedom of movement and expression, on and off stage.”

- Allen Perriello, Head of Music, Minnesota Opera

Director, Young Artists Program, The Glimmerglass Festival

• "As a bassoonist suffering from chronic tendonitis for several years, I was told by several doctors that I might not be able to continue pursuing my dream. I panicked and was then introduced to Feldenkrais by a colleague. Through a series of Feldenkrais lessons with Erin, the work she has done not only sped my recovery but has helped to reduce physical, mental, and emotional restrictions, limitations, and helped me to develop a sense of awareness. "-

  - Rittika Gambhir, Bangkok, Thailand

• “Working with Erin has unlocked an exploration into the field of somatic bodywork via the lens of Feldenkrais. I began working with her due to a physical issue that negatively impacted my singing. I thought I'd only find relief from the pain and be able to sing at an acceptable level. Instead, I found new awareness of my entire body, how my body & brain communicate with each other, and the beginning of a journey which is changing the way I feel, move, sing, and teach. Erin is generous with her time - always willing to speak to young students about the possibilities of this work as well as work around my busy schedule. Her dedication and generosity embody the spirit of Feldenkrais, as I have come to know it. I highly recommend investing time in working with Erin, either through Functional Integration or Awareness Through Movement lessons. You will learn about yourself and your body - in ways that will positively affect your life, not just your current issue.”

  - Rachel Velarde, Voice, Grand Canyon University, AZ

• “As a former dancer, I understand the demands of performing artists. However, your workshop was so helpful and informative for me addressing the difference between ways of using ATM and waking up new awareness with musicians compared with dancers. Your presentation was clear, informative and a lovely experience. Thank you.”

  - Prisca Winslow, Feldenkrais Practitioner

• “For most of my life as a performing, professional musician I have struggled with performance anxiety, as many musicians do.  It presented itself most intensely and most problematically in situations that were the most important to me and to the advancement of my career.  I read many books, and tried many programs.  At one point, I even tried hypnotherapy. 

  I went all in, and I trusted Erin. That leap of faith was the key to understanding that my struggles were not hopeless. Feldenkrais took me out of my emotions and put me back in my body. I began coming to weekly ATM classes, which at first were a total mystery to me.  The emphasis was on small, subtle movements and there was no wrong answer. I always felt different, better, in ways that I couldn't exactly describe.

  She taught me about my skeleton and the many ways that I could choose to move that I'd never been aware of. I was undoing years of habits that had ceased to help me progress as a violinist.  But I also realized that I could use this to progress in my everyday life as well. This could open up new ways for me to live my life on a daily basis in a more comfortable, and more fulfilling way.

  For the first time in my career I had real tools, and that is exactly why Feldenkrais has changed my life and my outlook.  I now have tangible tools, and many more to learn.  But I also now have hope and the ability to build my confidence.

  I have had opportunities to test and practice what I have learned, and I have seen drastic results. Her experience as a professional musician herself has made a huge difference for me, and partnered with her extensive Feldenkrais knowledge our time together has been invaluable. I cannot recommend her enough, and especially for any musicians who have dealt with the same challenges that I have.” 

  - Carla Ecker, Concert Master, Rogue Valley Symphony 

• “It gives me great pleasure to write this testimonial to Erin. I met Erin approximately 4 years ago and started attending her ATM classes at Desert Yoga. I had been  introduced to the Feldenkrais Method about 50 years ago when I took some ATM classes from a Feldenkrais practitioner who was spending  a year at Stanford University, where her husband had come for a sabbatical. I thought the method was great and very beneficial. In my moves around the US, I wasn't able to find any more practitioners in the areas where I lived, even though I would have liked to.

  I moved to AZ in the late fall of 2015. In the spring of 2016, I started having serious back problems, with a severe attack of sciatica. At that time, in addition to receiving a steroid shot and starting receiving physical therapy, I thought about trying other “non conventional” (or, less conventional) treatments. So, this is when, fortunately, I found Erin!

  Besides the ATM classes I started to attend, I started going to her for hands-on functional integration (FI) sessions. Since that time, most likely late summer of 2016, I’ve been going for these individual sessions at least once per month. Erin has magic hands!

  From the very first session, she seemed to sense and know how to relieve my pain and ease the sensitive areas of my body. In addition, she has an excellent way of explaining how the skeleton works.She was able to facilitate my becoming more aware of my own skeleton in particular. At the end of every session, I had a “wow!” moment, realizing, realizing I was moving in a different and easier way. A lightness of being!!!

  I continued to go for FI sessions even after my sciatica cleared and always felt better at the end of each session. That effect lasted for quite a few days after. With time passing, I discovered that, gradually,I was learning a new way of moving and easing discomfort. She was helping me learn to “integrate” movement and unlearn habitual postures or moves, all to benefit my particular body.

  With the new situation we are living through, Covid 19 era, I started taking Erin’s ATM classes through Zoom and I am grateful and look forward to them. I do miss Erin’s “magical touch”, but have started taking private FI lessons ( also via Zoom) and am finding them beneficial as well. Erin is able to continue to facilitate my developing ways to move better.

  I have not had a recurrence of severe back problems, although I continue to have a deterioration of the spine (due to my age - 72) and I attribute it largely, if not even completely, to Erin’s help. Her individual attention and special skills continue to be beneficial even via Zoom!”

  - Eliana Barshalom, AZ