LESSON FAQ
Can I really change my accent?
It can be done, but it requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of how we create sounds. We have to consider the positioning of the articulators and how we aspirate air from the lungs. For some, this can be a simple process, yet for others, it can be extremely challenging. Each student progresses at their own pace. Some can struggle with the very basic articulation of sounds while others can easily mimic the sounds and just need to develop better overall awareness. With the right mindset and patience, it can be done.
How long will it take to see an improvement?
Some gain a significant improvement within as little as 1-3 months. For others it can take much longer. This depends on how your environment has shaped your perception of sounds up until now.
Based on my experience (for non-native speakers), your ability to aspirate the sounds will be a key indicator of how quickly you will advance. More specifically, those who can mimic aspirated sounds and stop consonants tend to advance at a rapid pace and as a result require fewer lessons. However, those who struggle with these basic mechanisms will probably need more. My Daily Training Program includes over fifteen hours of aspiration drills to help you overcome these difficulties.
Many of my students have made significant long term progress despite struggling during the earlier stages. This is thanks to consistent regular practice between lessons.
How many lessons do you recommend?
I recommend a minimum of ten lessons to master the fundamentals. You will better understand why your accent differs and what changes need to be made. My course focuses on giving you the ability to self-diagnose without always having to rely on me as your teacher. The Daily Training Program (up to 15 hrs of content) is included at no extra cost.
How will the Complete Course materials benefit my lessons?
The Complete Course is a program that I specifically crafted to better help my students prepare for lessons. It’s more than just a course. Think of it as a virtual textbook complete with pre-recorded videos, PDFs, quizzes and repetition exercises. The course materials are input-focused which saves time and enables our lessons to become more output focused. An explanation can be found here.
Do I need to purchase the Complete Course to take lessons?
While the purchase of the Complete Course is not compulsory, those who enrol tend to improve at a much more advanced rate than those who don’t. You will not only be much better prepared for lessons, you will also have access to hundreds of drills to help you internalise the sounds of British English.
As your teacher, it also helps me gauge your progress and troubleshoot any difficulties you are having. Students who do not purchase the course materials will still be given access to The Daily Training Program.
In addition, those who purchase the materials will not only receive lessons at a discounted rate but also likely require fewer lessons. You can find a full explanation of the structure here.
How much time do I need to put into this?
For every hour of tuition I recommend at least one hour of self-study. There’s no need to over do it, just practising a little bit every day can bring excellent results.
Can I purchase the Complete Course without taking lessons?
Yes, anyone is welcome to enrol in the Complete Course materials. There is also a discussion panel where you can freely submit questions. You can also study the course on your own and decide later if you wish to take lessons.
How frequently should I take lessons?
The frequency of lessons depends on your timeframe and preference. Most students request to take lessons once a week. Some opt to take a crash course with lessons several times a week. Results are generally good as long as you do the exercises during your own time.
What will I learn during my first few lessons?
The initial lessons will focus on laying the foundations. While it’s easy to mention concepts like the use of stressed and unstressed syllables or the aspiration of sounds from the front of the mouth, understanding the practical application of this is essential.
We’ll start with the mechanisms that enable the native-like aspiration. We’ll do some drills to help you with the basic articulation of sounds, much like a baby learning to use speech mechanisms for the first time. Emphasis will also be placed on maintaining a relaxed posture when producing the neutral sounds of British English. You will receive step-by-step guidance, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the process that allows for the execution of unstressed sounds without overcompensation. I’ll help you understand where to position the tongue and which facial muscles we should and shouldn’t be using.
The ultimate goal is to cultivate native-like pronunciation without sounding forced. The focus is on learning to articulate the sounds effortlessly. While this transformation won’t occur overnight, grasping these principles is essential for sustained progress.
Do you offer lessons for native English speakers?
Yes, the teaching methods for native English speakers differ. I offer training specifically tailored to actors, narrators, etc. You will learn about the more nuanced aspects of Received Pronunciation.
Which version of Received Pronunciation will I learn?
Non-native speakers will learn the modern form of Received Pronunciation. This version of RP places a strong emphasis on achieving clarity in speech.
Is there a perception that Received Pronunciation is outdated?
RP has evolved into various forms, and my goal as your instructor is to guide you in achieving clear and effective communication. Take a look at my blog to get a better idea of the variations spoken by well-known British personalities.
Do you offer in-person lessons?
Yes, I provide in-person lessons in London at your home or office. In-person lessons are usually a minimum of 90 minutes.
Why are lessons so cheap/expensive?
Lessons are already competetively priced without even factoring in the Daily Training Program which I currently provide my students for free.
For each 40-minute online lesson, you will also have access to a 45 minute pre-recorded self-study repetition exercise. These are professionally recorded training materials which have been carefully cultivated by myself over the years based on the feedback & performance from my students. My students are now able to advance at a much more rapid pace. I believe that this is an incredible value proposition.
Remember, the program is designed to help you think for yourself and improve on your own with as little intervention from your teacher as possible.
How does your teaching method differ from other teachers/schools?
My teaching style and methods are strongly influenced by my educational background. As someone who comes from a maths background, I like to approach everything with a logical mindset based on systematic analysis and problem-solving. This approach allows me to break down complex concepts into manageable components, making them more accessible to my students.
In addition, I have always had a keen interest in languages and as someone who speaks three languages myself (English, French and Japanese), I can understand the desire to speak a language in a more native-like manner.
My ultimate goal is to provide my students with the most efficient and effective learning program to help them achieve this. This means reducing the number of lessons required as much as possible. My Complete Course and Daily Training Program are a core part of my teaching approach. By providing structured and focused daily practice, along with comprehensive course materials, I aim to optimise the learning process and expedite your progress.