Hello,

I searched "accent" in these forums and did not find any good resources. Also, I know there was a forum somewhere, but the thread disappeared, so I am asking for you help guys!

Can somebody recommend a great accent reduction class or someone's name? Did any one work on their accent and succeed speaking standard American?

Thanks!

Wayne'll probably have more name-specific suggestions for you.

When I was in school, Voice and Articulation was a requirement for Theatre BFA's. I think it was particularly helpful for those who had prominent Southern accents, and made me aware of my own midwestern vocal tendencies. Who knew that "merry" and "marry" were pronounced differently?

While surfing the class schedules at Westchester Community College I noticed they had a Voice and Diction class. Perhaps you can look to your local community college for a similar class.

I actually posted a forum back in September 2008:

http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/f...34910243/m/145102851

Many acting school offer Speech/Voice/and Accent Reduction classes.

HB Studio offers Accent Reduction class, but you will be sitting in a classroom with 15+ students. Lenore Harris is the instructor, and she is very technical with her apporach. The students are required to purchase a workbook for the class.

There are other services that offers Accent Reduction training. But the price might be a bit expensive, depends on your budget.

There's the:

Confident Speech
Hanover Speech & Voice Improvement
Sam Chwat Speech Center

Other (ESL) language school also offers Accent Reduction classes:

Zoni Language Center
Pace University English Program

Currently, I work with actor Eric Thal on Standard American Accent with my script and audition materials. If you are interested, send me a PM, and I will provide more information.

quote:

Originally posted by Whispers:
Hello,

I searched "accent" in these forums and did not find any good resources. Also, I know there was a forum somewhere, but the thread disappeared, so I am asking for you help guys!

Can somebody recommend a great accent reduction class or someone's name? Did any one work on their accent and succeed speaking standard American?

Thanks!

In addition to what the others said, I just wanted to point out that if you have never had any vocal training a general voice and speech class will suffice to get started. It should cover neutral, or standard, American speech and you can take it from there as to how much additional or private work you need. FYI I was a Voice & Speech teacher and Vocal/Dialect Coach for many years

I think everyone has given good, well thought out advice. Depending upon how severe your speech disfluencies are you may also contact an ASHA certified speech therapist/pathologist that specializes in artic. I only mention that because my wife is a speech pathologist and I hear about clients all the time....
I can remember my own Voice and Articulation classes as an undergrad before my On-Air days. I too had a midwestern accent (generally preferred) as I tackled "drive time", news and various station formats. It also gave me a great career in voiceovers and commercials for a number of years.
All I can say is it will not be a waste of time.
Good Luck.

I recommend Sylvia Rosen at T. Schreiber Studio. She's wonderful! Very nurturing and the class is very small so you get alot of individual attention. Rosalind