American accent learning

Alessandro De Marco
Actor, Talent

Hi everyone
I need ti learn American accent, and i was hoping that someone could suggest to me a good book i can buy.
I while ago i bought a book called 'American Accent training', but it wasn't as good as i thought it would be.
If any of you have any suggestion, please let me know. It is quite important or me to be able to sound american.
I know it is going to be hard, but i know it can be done. If someone also have a suggestion to whom is available for hourly american speech (paid of course), please suggest them to me.
Thank you in advance.


  • 12 years ago
  • 3,285
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I have just deleted an email from The Actors Guild with details of such courses. Google them and I'm sure you'll find them. Alternatively there are tutorials on YouTube but you really need someone who knows to be listening to you and remember there are so many different accents in America. Most people start with a "General American" and then move on to other areas such as New York or Southern.


  • 12 years ago
  • 1
Alessandro De Marco
Actor, Talent

Hi stephen, thank you for your response, but googling it was the first thing i have done, and in fact is on there that i have found the book that i have bought.
I just need some feedback about people that have found the right book and they think is good, or any other idea that could direct me in the right direction.


  • 12 years ago
  • 2

I m a native american, I am willing to give you free lessons if for exchange you help me master my a standard british accent. I am based in London.


  • 12 years ago
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I found How to Do Accents by Edda Sharpe and Jan Haydn Rowles vey good for the other accents which I have learnt. I haven't tried the standard america from it yet but it is a very good, all-round book.


  • 12 years ago
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Alessandro De Marco
Actor, Talent

Hi catee
You offer is very interesting, and i would really happy to accept except for the fact that i am italian, and i believe i would not be the right person to correct your english speech.
I have done quite few corses to adopt a british neutral accent, but that would not make me suitable for it.
I do have other skills, like i can help you to edit your showreel if you need to, or if there is something else i can exchange your help with i would be more then welcome to agree.
I am based in London too.


  • 12 years ago
  • 5
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

I found this very useful:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Access-Accents-American-Performance-Training/dp/0713685093

You can buy it from Foyles in London if you're near there too.

I was also taught by the very good Marina Tyndall:

http://www.accent-dialect-coach.com/index/about

She's brilliant.


  • 12 years ago
  • 6
Alessandro De Marco
Actor, Talent

Does anyone of you (native american) would be available to have 1 to 1 session with me for normal speech ? and if you do, could you tell me your hourly rate ? London base only please. Thanks


  • 12 years ago
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Heather Rome
Actor

If you can afford it, I strongly recommend a good accent coach as they can address your particular needs in a very targeted way. I am Anglo-American and was raised "over there" but my British mother has retained quite a strong RP accent which helped me, but it was a good accent coach that helped me get to grips with my main stumbling blocks and provided a personalized work tape to listen to and practice with.

Conversational sessions with a native American are a good idea but they won't necessarily have any idea of how correct your inflection or perhaps more basic functional issues that may get in your way, like breathing. For budgetary reasons why not think about a few coaching sessions, then "practice" with genuine American(s)?

You also try posting a notice through the North American Actors' Association, www.naaa.org.uk, which is comprised of genuine American and Canadian performers. I am a member and I think there are a few other members who are voice/accent coaches and others who may be able to coach you. I myself live in the Home Counties and don't get to London frequently enough.


  • 12 years ago
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User Deleted
This profile has been archived

David Bauckham is a brilliant accent coach, he does courses and private lessons, here is his email, Good luck david.bauckham@virgin.net


  • 12 years ago
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Alessandro De Marco
Actor, Talent

Thank you all for your great response and suggestions.
I do have references i need now, although my offer is stil available, so if anyone knows an american native speaker that is willing to give normal conversation in american, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you all.


  • 12 years ago
  • 10
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Hi Alessandro,

Which American accent are you going for??? Just general??? (which doesn't really exist in my professional opinion to be fair) I'm an American Actress living in London and wouldn't mind helping you. You may pay me, but only if you think my services rendered any real result! Cheers and let me know.


  • 12 years ago
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Alessandro De Marco
Actor, Talent

Hi Catherine
I am very interested in accepting your offer.
Maybe what we can do is 1 session to see how it goes, and decide from the end of that session.
Is that ok for you ?
Please let me know which day will be more suitable for you. My contact number is 07980152085
Do no hesitate to contact me to arrange the day.

Thank you for your availability.


  • 12 years ago
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