Accent reduction programs and coaches have fees that vary greatly. Group lessons are generally less expensive but they can’t allow for individual attention if the rest of the group has achieved the modifications.
Ask if the coach does private lessons and how much for their program packages. Usually, the more classes in the package, the lower the fee.
The cost can range from $50 an hour to $450 an hour. You are best to do consultations with a few coaches before deciding which one is best for you.
I know many people who have wasted precious time and money on classes that weren’t helpful, as they were lured by the lower cost.
Caveat: Some lower price coaches are very good. Assess each one individually.
My new guru, *Warren Buffet said, “”By far, the best investment you can make is in yourself.”
Generally, lower price options like a book or audio lessons are less effective, as you’ve no one guiding you to form these new sounds and correcting you. It’s important to see and be seen. You cannot improve in a vacuum.
You need a coach who’ll address your particular sounds and the challenges you may have creating and sustaining them. Two people from Russia may have different sounds they need to modify. I don’t have set programs per nationality. I teach only what the individual needs.
If it’s an important issue for career growth, or simply social interactions, making that investment is worth it.
An American woman once told me she’d met an interesting Russian woman with whom they had lots in common. But the American said she was not going to pursue the friendship because it was too frustrating trying to understand her.
* Warren Buffet is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He’s currently the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and is considered one of the most successful investors in the world and has a net worth of over $100.6 billion as of April 2021, making him the world’s seventh-wealthiest person.