FAQ’s – Accent Reduction
1. How long does it take to see real improvement?
You will notice improvement in the first session. After, there is no average program length. Core factors that influence the student are:
+ Frequency and duration of sessions
+ Motivation of student
+ Proficiency of English
+ Acoustical Training; listening skills
2. How much does it cost?
Customized study options and pricing are based on your learning potentiality and trainer’s plan recommended at the completion of the Assessment. After you work privately with an ARTA Certified Trainer, your assessment report and score will help determine your curriculum vitae. Factors that affect cost are largely based on program length and frequency of sessions.
3. Are the results measurable?
Yes. You may request from your certified coach a diagnostic analysis of your speech level and road map to improvement. The results are recorded for later review.
4. Will I learn English grammar?
Although grammar and vocabulary building are likely to be enhanced during the course, it is not the focus for accent reduction. An Intermediate to Advanced level of English is required to participate in all Accent Reduction Programs, with a minimum score on the ARTA Accent Assessment being a 35 or higher for advanced placement.
5. Will I lose my personality if I change my accent?
We celebrate the diversity of all cultural backgrounds. We don’t impose or force anyone to change or deny their unique individuality. We strive to enhance traits of the students character, while providing tools to improve short comings.
6. Does it matter which language I speak?
No. Some participants have shown faster improvement in the areas on intonation and stressing for some languages. Overall, accent improvement rates are not favored due to a specific language or background.
7. What is the ARTA Method of Accent Reduction and how does it work?
We believe that all accents should first be broken down phonologically using the ARTA Accent Transcriptions (AAT). This short hand to learning American sounds has proven to be Internationally recognized method of accent reduction since 1998. Since language changes over time, the ARTA Method reflects consistent, modern shifts of the speech heard among native born Americans.
8. Am I too old to change my accent?
You are never too late to learn something new. Generally, the learning curve is higher among students who have been speaking English in No. America since adolescence. Our goal has always been to provide practical techniques that are easy to retain and implement at any age.
9. What is an ARTA Certified Trainer?
Our Accent Reduction Certified Trainers and coaches undergo a rigorous training process in which they must pass a lengthy oral and written examination, demonstrating their understanding and mastery of ARTA accent reduction principles and vocal pedagogy. Teacher Certification classes are held year round.
10. What is the background of your certified instructors?
Our ARTA-(ARS) Certified Instructors have taught in the ARTA Method of Accent Reduction for over 10 years. They have taught in students in over 90 countries.
Trainers have qualifications, but are not limited to credentials in the following areas of study:
+ Minimum of 5-7+ years teaching experience
+ ARTA Trained & Certified
+ Hold’s a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees in Speech Pathology, Linguistics,
Drama or English.
+ Native English speakers
+ Professionally trained dialect coaches, vocal coaches, broadcasters (tv&radio), speech pathologists and corporate consultants, among others.
What is expected of me once I begin my sessions?
- If a student misses or reschedules a class without proper notification, it will still count as a class. In these cases, the following methods are considered acceptable: voice mail, phone recorded message to (844) Speak-Well, or by emailing us.
- In the event of the above rescheduling or canceling of sessions; 24 hours notice is required.
- Make-up classes are to be completed within 10 days of the postponed class.
- There is a 2 week maximum allowance to make up classes for schedules lasting longer than 12 weeks.
- To prevent scheduling conflicts, tardiness will count towards class time.
For additional questions, please Contact Us.
For a complete listing of our policies and procedures, please see our Terms of Use.
