Product Description

In this groundbreaking text-book two of Britain's leading voice coaches set out a wholly new way of learning how to do accents based on seeing, hearing and feeling the way accents are put together.

By breaking accents down into the `foundations', 'major players', 'vowel shapes' and `the groove', and by using the accompanying CD, the reader is led through a step by step simple but detailed process, helping them to understand their own accent, compare it to the new, and develop the flexibility to produce new sounds and authentic new accents.

How To Do Accents comes with a CD with a variety of sample speakers and example sounds.

The book is accessible and comprehensive, and is sure to become the essential tool for professional actors, drama students and amateurs alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #222484 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 140 pages

Jeannette Nelson, Head of Voice, National Theatre
`At last! A really practical (and fun) guide to accent training. I recommend it to all actors and voice teachers'

Lyn Darnley, Head of Voice and Artist Development, Royal Shakespeare Company
`This excellent and easy-to-follow guide will be invaluable to professionals and students alike'

From the Publisher
How to Do Accents is the perfect guide for drama students, actors, voice and dialect teachers and drama teachers.

Customer Reviews

fabulous essential book for actors and all voice practitioners
If you're looking for a book on accents this has to be the first one to buy. It's clear, informative, systematic and gives you the guidelines and principles for doing ANY accent. It's also playful and very accessible and backs up the text with a cd. A bonus: the book is beautifully designed and illustrated, of high quality paper, and a pleasure to handle. Every actor, acting student and voice teacher should own this, read it, and refer to it as an essential reference book when working on roles.

wow, finally it all makes sense!
It all makes sense now....I spent 3 years at Drama school, learning phonetics and accents. I often wondered why on earth we were learning what an explosive is, or whatever it's called? and why when ever I tried a Geordie accent I ended up sounding Norwegian or sort of Scottish but not remotely Geordie!
I really like the way the authors have mapped out a process and an easy system that actually makes sense. My accent awareness and 'muscles memory' HAS really improved. The 'top tips' and chapter summaries are really clear. It would be better if the tracks were printed on the CD and if the Accent tracks were clearly marked but thats a small point! cos you don't realise you're getting 12 native speakers on the CD,so its pretty good value for money.
Its also a book you can go back to! My American accent has really improved by learning about the 'Two Planets' or when to do an 'R' and when not to! I have started to notice things in others peoples accents. Its well worth the read and bet you use it time and time again...A lot of accent and phonetics books are really dry this so isn't! oh its pretty funny too!

An excellent resource
This book provides a systematic, accessible and fun way of approaching any accent. As a voice coach myself, it gives me the reassurance that I have approached the new accent from every angle and haven't 'cheated' on any aspect. Edda and Jan's workshops are also an inspiration!