Accent Reduction Training Academy

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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 rates are based on your trainers recommendation provided at the time of the initial accent 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 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 Phonetic Transcriptions (APT). This short hand to learning American sounds has proven to be Internationally recognized method of accent reduction since 1997.  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 the ARTA Method of Accent Reduction for over 10 years. They have taught students in over 90 countries.

Trainer Backgrounds:

   +   professional dialect coaches (film & stage), vocal coaches,
        professional broadcasters (tv & radio), actors, speech pathologists
        and corporate consultants, among others.
   +   Minimum of 10+ years teaching experience
   +   ARTA Trained & Certified
   +   Hold's a Bachelor's and/or Master's degrees
   +   Native English speakers

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 1-347-927-7334, email: support@relaxandspeak.com, or direct email correspondance with your ARTA trainer.
  • 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 3 week maximum allowance to make up classes for programs/schedules lasting longer than 12 weeks.
  • To prevent scheduling conflicts, tardiness will count towards class time. 

For a complete listing of our policies and procedures, please see our Terms of Use.







FAQ's - Learner



Does it cost anything to get started?


Introductions are free for the first 5 minutes.  Only when your ready, you may simply click the link LIVE Lessons on the Relaxandspeak.com home page and sign up, pay for an initial assessment and get started. If the tutor you request is offline or busy, please go back and request a scheduled appointment time by clicking 5 Minutes Free.

How do I find a Tutor?


Click on the find a tutor link on our home page to get started. If you want a face-to-face tutor, please tell us the region your located.  You can search for a in-person class by subject, and geographic location. For live online tutors, you also have the added convenience of finding an ARTA Certified tutor who is available on-line or on the phone ready to help you.

What happens after I select an In Person Tutor?


The tutors you search for will receive notice of your request. It is then the responsibility of the tutors to contact you within 24-48 hours. It is your choice to decide which tutor is most compatible and qualified for you to learn from. What may be right for someone else may not be the right fit for you.

What do the initials after the teacher’s names mean?


Some initials our teachers may be displaying mean; B.A., Bachelor of Arts Degree, M.A., Masters of Arts Degree and Phd., Doctorate Degree. These qualifications by our tutors represent the uniqueness of tutors backgrounds.  However, Relaxandspeak.com does not use them to make a judgement solely based on a teachers qualifications of teaching ability.

How do I know if my teacher is certified?


Relaxandspeak.com tutors have the option of becoming ARTA Certified upon completing a certification in accent reduction, speech and corporate coaching. This certification and training process is conducted by ARTA Trainers with over 10 years teaching experience. Currently, our Senior Trainers are Certified ARTA Trainers.

What if I need a tutor, but cannot afford one?


We are in development for the Relaxandspeak.com non-profit organization to combat the problem of reaching out to under resourced families and underdeveloped communities. If you would like more information on Relaxandspeak.com foundation and our efforts to spread quality education please apply as a student for a tutor sponsor, and receive a partial or full scholarship, Please contact: tuition@relaxandspeak.com.



Please Contact Us Today, To Get Started.

FAQ's - Technical



Payment Information


We accept Visa, M/C and Amex.  All credit cards or debit card transactions are guaranteed to provide you with the safest possible processing. Your first five minutes are free, for a brief introductory period with your ARTA Trainer.   Then you will be asked to submit a payment to start the session to begin asking your questions with your tutor.

System Requirements


RelaxandSpeak.com's classroom works on both PC and Mac platforms. There is nothing to install or download.  We do recommend that you close all other windows and programs during a live online session for optimum speed and performance.

What are the audio and video requirements?


A web camera is recommended (though not required) during the live online class.  You will also need an internal or external microphone and speaker or a headset. If you don't have one, then you may use a telephone. You can order a headset on Amazon.com

Cookies


RelaxandSpeak.com's site like most sites, require you to allow session cookies to be enabled. Please go to internet options and click on the allow cookies tab, so browser will work properly. For assistance with this feature, you can email us at support@relaxandspeak.com.