Frequently Asked Questions

What progress can I expect to make?

Changing the way one speaks requires motivation and application. It is very possible to make these changes (all actors, many politicians and many others in public life have had successful voice training) if you are willing to trust your trainer and practise. Your trainer will ensure you understand what is happening with your voice and how you can correct it, but you should expect to do daily vocal drills and exercises to ensure progress is made.

What actually happens in a class?

The course will teach you to recognise and produce the sounds used in RP. The course is taught using the system of phonetics compiled by the International Phonetics Association (IPA). Each lesson the trainer will look at different sounds and show the group how to position their tongues to form them. Different nationality groups have different problems, but the work on sounds is helpful to all. As the course progresses more work is done on connected speech, intonation and natural sounding rhythm.

The classes include some physical work too. Students look at issues such as breathing, volume and muscularity of diction and how to use them to gain confidence when speaking in stressful situations.

The course demands a degree of commitment outside the class time: the trainer will set vocal exercises to practise daily and it is obviously a good idea to review each week's course notes. It is much better to practice for 10 minutes a day every day, than an hour once a week. We also suggest the students buy a pronunciation dictionary (or any dictionary that includes IPA phonetic symbols) so they can look up the correct pronunciation of words they have problems with.

We do not pretend that you will lose your accent completely over the course, but - with a daily 10 - 15 minute “voice workout” - the techniques learnt will help you speak in a clearer, more comprehensible voice. You will understand how your voice works, how you make sounds and how those sounds differ from RP. This will make you a more confident, assured speaker and this alone can make a difference to how people perceive you.

What qualifications do your trainers have?

The courses are taught by well-qualified and experienced voice coaches. They have post-graduate qualifications in Voice Training and RP* accents: there is no substitute for working with people who themselves have clear, well-enunciated voices.

*RP stands for “received pronunciation”. This is the term for the standard British non-regional accent. It is sometimes referred to as a “BBC accent”. It is clear and classless.

Can I try a class?

We prefer not as it can disturb the class dynamics, but if you are very unsure please speak to the Principal. If possible we will arrange for you to sit in on a class.

Can I book just one private tuition session to see if I like it?

Yes, you can book a 'taster'. Current prices can be found on the Private Voice Coaching page.

How do I book private classes?

Please let us know, by email or phone, how many hours you would like to book and what days and times you are free. Let us know whether this is a fixed time or if it is likely to vary week by week. Trainers can work from 8.00 am to 7.00 Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 4.00 pm on Saturdays. Other times may be available by arrangement. We will then invoice you and provisionally book a trainer. Payment can be by bank transfer, credit card, cheque or cash over the counter. We can usually arrange a trainer within 48 hours. When payment has been paid the trainer is confirmed and his or her name will be communicated to you. If your session is off-site we will also give you the trainer's mobile number. We contact you after your first session to make sure you are happy with everything, and then at intervals through your training to check that you remain satisfied.

Do you teach children?

We can teach children individually or in small closed groups. Any trainer who teaches children will be CRB checked.

Can I have a certificate after finishing a course?

We can give you a King Street College certificate that states what course you have done. This is not, however, a qualification.

Where do your students come from?

Our voice training clients come from all over the world and from all walks of life. We have trained people from Europe, Asia, South America, India, Iran, Africa, Russia, the USA and the UK.

What training do the teachers have?

Our Voice Trainers are all graduates of the Central School of Speech and Drama's MA in Voice Studies. This is a demanding post-graduate degree in one of the most prestigious universities in this field. In addition to this they all have extensive experience delivering all types of voice training to groups and individuals both in the UK and abroad.

Is there a text book to accompany the course or training?

In the office we sell an excellent book and CD set that provides a good set of exercises to do at home and after the course has finished. It costs £20.

What happens after the course has finished?

You should be well-prepared to make further progress on your own, especially if you have bought the book we recommend. We also offer an advanced level course where you can continue to work on your voice in a more intimate, more knowledgeable group.