LESSON FAQ
My goal is to make myself obsolete. I want to give you the tools to correct your own pronunciation so you don’t need to depend on a teacher forever.
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 is a simple process, while for others, it can be challenging. Each student progresses at their own pace. Some struggle with the basic articulation of sounds while others mimic sounds easily and just need to develop better overall awareness. With the right mindset and patience, it’s entirely achievable.
How long will it take to see an improvement?
Some students see significant improvement in as little as 1-3 months. For others it can take much longer. This depends on how your environment has shaped your perception of sound.
Based on my experience, your ability to aspirate sounds will be a key indicator of how quickly you will advance. Specifically, those who can mimic aspirated sounds and stop consonants tend to advance at a rapid pace and require fewer lessons. However, those who struggle with these basic mechanisms will likely need more time. My Daily Training Program includes over fifteen hours of drills designed to help you overcome these difficulties.
How many lessons do you recommend?
I recommend starting with the Complete Course first. It covers 80% of the theory that I would otherwise have to explain in person.
To cover the full program and master the fundamentals, I recommend ten lessons. This allows us enough time to understand why your accent differs and what changes need to be made. You can book these in two Blocks of 5. My goal is to give you the ability to self-diagnose without having to rely on me forever.
How will the Complete Course materials benefit my lessons?
The Complete Course is a program I created to help students prepare for lessons. Think of it as a virtual textbook complete with pre-recorded videos, PDFs, quizzes and repetition exercises. The materials are input-focused, which saves time and enables our lessons to remain output-focused. An explanation can be found here.
Do I need to purchase the Complete Course to take lessons?
For Single Consultations: No. If you just want a 40-minute diagnostic session to assess your accent, you can book a single slot without any materials.
For Ongoing Training (Block of 5): Yes. To get the most out of our time, you need to be familiar with the terminology and drills in the course. This saves you money, as I won’t have to waste your paid lesson time explaining basic theory.
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.
Can I record the lessons?
Yes, absolutely. I strongly recommend recording every session so you can review the drills during the week. It’s the fastest way to improve. Each recording will be saved to a private folder on Google Drive.
Do you offer lessons for native speakers (actors/presenters)?
Yes. The approach is different, focusing closer on specific nuances of RP for performance rather than general articulation mechanisms.
Which version of Received Pronunciation will I learn?
Non-native speakers will learn the modern form of Received Pronunciation (Modern RP). 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 see examples of the variations spoken by well-known British personalities.
Why are lessons priced this way?
I am a specialist pronunciation instructor, not a general English tutor. My goal is to fix your pronunciation as efficiently as possible.
By using my Course for the “heavy lifting” (theory) and our lessons for the “surgical work” (correction), you end up paying far less in the long run than you would with years of general conversation classes.
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?
My teaching style and methods are strongly influenced by my educational background. Coming from a mathematics 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 accessible.
Additionally, as someone who speaks three languages (English, French and Japanese), I understand the desire to speak in a more native-like manner.
My ultimate goal is efficiency: I want to reduce the number of lessons you need. By providing structured daily practice via the Complete Course and Daily Training Program, I aim to optimise the learning process and expedite your progress.