Hello Everyone... I have been told that I need to work on my accent many times. (I speak with an accent...)

I have taken a speech class at HB studio a while back, but with such a large group of students in the class, it was very difficult for me to concentrate.

Can anyone suggestion, in New York area, any facility that provides Accent Reduction Class in a smaller environment, or 1 on 1 coaching?

Preferably some where that will not drain my wallet instantly.... But again, no pain no gain.

Thank you.

I would first look for a speech-language pathologist that specializes in accents. (My wife doesnt do accents so I cant recommend her). Try looking for one on the ASHA website.
http://www.asha.org/default.htm

Thank you DadinWestchester, I will check out the website

Google speech in NY. Accents in NY. There are some really good people out there. Can be very expensive. So take a tape recorder to your session so you can practice a lot.

Good luck.

"One on One" sessions are probably best for your situation, but most 2 year acting programs include Voice & Speech as part of the curriculum. I know Esper does. If you google "accent reduction new york" you'll quickly find the go-to-pros in the city. It is WELL worth the expense. If you can't lose the accent, you will not work except under the most specific circumstances. It's worth the time and money to fix it. Good luck and let us know who you choose and how it goes!

Thank you very much - and you are very right about One-On-One sessions. I have been told by friends and agents that it's most effective when the teacher pays close attention to you.

I did some research and made some inquiries on facilities in New York. Here are the ones that I found:

Confident Speech

The Sam Chwat Speech Center

Bodylink Speech Therapy

Hanover Speech & Voice Improvement

Since I'm on a budget-based... The session fee per hour came up to $95 - $100

There are other "SCHOOLS" that offers Accent Reduction services....

Accent Reduction Institute

Rennert Bilingual Language School

Pace University English for Professionals Program

Zoni Language Centers

Corporate Speech Solutions

And the hourly fee ranges from $75 - $110 (including Registeration/Enrollment Fee)

I'm still doing a little more research on what works best for me in terms of scheduling... and (fees) - I will definately post again in regards to my decision and results.

Thanks again!

Go for one that works with actors. Sometimes they use language and techniques that are character based as well and that can be really helpful.

Good luck. Thanks for the great question and sharing your research.

Dear Wonderfulcow,

I used to teach voice and speech, including accent reduction. I wish I had some names to give you, but I'm kind of out of the loop these days and everyone I still know is super busy.

I can offer some advice, though. IMHO finding names on the web has plusses and minuses. Many good people who teach privately don't really advertise. It looks like your web search results are more geared toward people who work with corporate types or people learning English. Their goals will be different than yours. As Roz said, you want to find someone who works with actors. You might have better luck looking up theatre schools and checking out their voice and speech classes. You may end up taking a general Voice and Speech class and going from there or you might find a teacher at a theatre school who will take you on as a private student.


Best of Luck and feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Hi,

Please contact me by private message and I will give you the name of an accent coach.

Good luck.

Best,

Ron

I just completed an accent reduction course with Global Speech Solutions and I highly recommend them. If you go with them try to get Tamara or JoAnn to be your coach... I worked with both of them and they were awesome. Their number is (845)680-6574.

Good Luck!

Also T. Schreiber has a speech coach by the name of Page Clements. She's very good and the class is very small I hear 7-8 students.

Thanks guys

Right now, I'm working with actor Eric Thal (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0856908) on producing American English Accent. (I know it will take a while to reduce my natural accent) So, I will be able to 'turn it on' when I needed to.

So far, after a few sessions, I have learned a lot and able to 'tighten-up' my monologue. But I will keep all of ya'll references when I need to get to the next level (actual accent reduction).