Accent Elimination or Accent Acquisition

GET MORE WORK WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR VOICE

Accent Elimination

Were you born in Brooklyn? Or the Deep South? Or perhaps even Mexico or Germany? If you have an obvious accent or American regionalism it may be holding you back from booking some of the jobs you would like. Most casting professionals want to ensure that their audience will connect and identify with the voice talent they are hearing, and prefer someone who might sound just like your neighbor, regardless of where the spot will air. A Boston accent might be just fine for a local Massachusetts piece but inappropriate for a high paying national gig. Our resident accent specialist Linda Jones is here to help you deliver in the coveted Standard American, neutral accent .

Accent Acquisition

Are you looking to nail that authentic and natural sounding southern twang, romantic French or Swahili character? Linda can help with that too. If you need a quick brush-up on an accent for an upcoming job or audition or you would like to be fully immersed in the exciting world of American and foreign dialects, her expertise will prove to be invaluable. Why try to get by with just a “passable” Swedish when she can quickly have you sounding like a Stockholm native? Improve your character and animation reads, expand your commercial repertoire, or start expanding into foreign markets.

Linda Jones

Voice Coach, and Accent Acquisition and Elimination Expert

specializes in: accent and dialect elimination, accent and dialect acquisition

location: NY studio and offers tele-training

Linda has been coaching actor voices for the last 20 years, and is thrilled to be part of the Edge team.

With a background in theatre, she has coached voice/speech and dialects for stage, film and voiceover across the country, from Chicago to San Francisco to NYC, as well as working privately with students on speech improvement and accent reduction. She was the resident speech and dialect coach for Crowded Fire – a critically acclaimed, nationally recognized theatre company in San Francisco (and was even given the title of "Voiceographer" for their award-winning premiere of Erik Ehn's "Maid!").

An award-winning performer in her own right, she performed recently in... "Double Vision" for the NYC Fringe, garnering great reviews and a top-10 "Best of the Fringe" extended run. She has a BFA in Acting from Ithaca College, studied v/o at Edge Studios (!) and is a founding member of NYC"s HoNkBarK! Productions – with whom she performs in an ongoing, seasonal cabaret at the Duplex NYC.

Oh, and! - she's currently training for her fourth NYC Marathon.

Hear Linda's commercial demo. Hear Linda's narration demo.

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See all testimonials

Hi Jay, Just a quick e-mail to thank you, once again, for helping me produce my demo! First, you helped me edit my scripts to the correct length. Next, you encouraged me to explore a variety of emotional tones. Your final suggestion --that I have FUN with the material-- gave me confidence. All of these things helped me give much better performances than I would have on my own. I look forward to taking more classes from you, and doing more coaching with you, in the near...

Elizabeth Holmes

Hi Morgan, Part one was very informative. Kerry is obviously experienced and her instruction and feedback was informative and patient. While I think some of us had some previous voice over experience and others had none, she was very good with the range of talent that were in the class, bringing out improvements in a short period of time. Thanks,

Derek

I had my last training session with David. In the first 15 minutes of that session I got to a level that I could not achieve, even after two one-hour sessions with another school. I am so thankful for fate and the opportunity to work with David. He is talented, professional and he knew exactly what was holding me back. I am excited about the possibilities.

Ruth Wuchter

Dear Bruce Thanks for such a great session the other day. I felt very good leaving the studio -- much more confident as we work towards demo.

Andree

Hi Kerry, Thank you for your expert coaching Monday. Your advice helped me tremendously, as did your patience and encouragement, while I learned to practice the tricks of the trade. Please feel free to use that as a testimonial! : ) Thank you, too, for the emailed information. Take care,

Robin Swenholt

I just did my phase 2 evaluation. I felt very at ease. My coach was exceptionally nice, made me feel very comfortable, and gave constructive criticism and advice on what forms of voice over would best suit my voice. I got the direction and clarification out of the session that I was hoping for. Thank you!

There is NO BETTER voice over coach than Danielle Quisenberrry. I especially appreciate the way she shares her knowledge and experience in a way that makes you feel comfortable. She communicates with you in a way that's easily understood. If you want to get into the voice over arena, you need Danielle.

Jim

Randye, I just want to let you know what a privilege it has been to be under your tutelage these past few months. You have not only taught me so much about the industry but you have instilled confidence in me which is so critical for me in moving forward with my career since I've always been a little timid about my vocal abilities. You've also made the learning process a lot of fun! I felt a real connection with you and would definitely encourage anyone looking to get into this industry to...

Lynne

Jean: I finished my demo recording this past Tuesday. I worked with David and Tom and they were both great. I had my last training session with David. In the first 15 minutes of that session I got to a level that I could not achieve, even after two one-hour sessions with another school. I am so thankful for fate and the opportunity to work with David. He is talented, professional and he knew exactly what was holding me back. I am excited about the possibilities.

Ruth Wuchter

Wow David! You were so professional and easy to work with! I can't wait to work with you again! No wonder you train people! You're the best! You could squeeze ANY read out of me! woohoo! a very very impressed

Joan F

Thanks, Danielle! You're an awesome teacher. Until next time... Best,

Jon

With his straightforward and honest approach, David is an effective instructor for group workshops as well as individual coaching, and can easily pinpoint one's voiceover strengths and weaknesses. He's an amazing sound engineer too - you can certainly trust your demo production to him!

Karen H.

I want to thank you for an most enjoyable session, my coach Tom was excellent, and as nervous as I was he totally made me feel comfortable. I look forward to more sessions with him and will call to schedule an appointment soon. Thanks!

JoAnn Ross

Dave, Thanks for all of your help and support so far, it means a lot to me. Judy, by the way, was fantastic. I couldn't have gotten a better teacher.

Kevin

David, Thank you for the terrific voice over class. It was not only informative but very entertaining as well. I resigned from a long time broadcast career a few years ago. Recently, I've been looking to get back to work. You gave me the answers I needed and I'm very excited to start my new voice over career! A big thanks to David and Edge Studio!

Michele Donofrio Harding

Dear David, Just a couple lines to thank you for a great meeting this morning at your studio. I can tell your insights will be helpful and look forward to our next consultation. Will get those outline notes to you no later than next Friday. Again, many thanks for your interest, expertise and enthusiasm. Best wishes

Tony

My background--which includes studio work as a singer, a graduate degree in education, and an old, not-quite-there VO demo--has prepared me to fully appreciate the work David Goldberg has been doing with me over the past few months. His mastery of his industry and craft, his understanding of performance psychology, and his gift for teaching and communicating are unmistakable...he's is the most centered, organized, and self-possessed person I've come across in a long time. His instruction and...

M.C. Tapera

Thank you SO much! I really enjoyed Kristin

Hi David: Thank you for your email. I just completed my second training session this past Thursday, and it was a blast. There's something about pursuing a long-awaited interest. I so enjoy being in front of a mike in a sound booth hearing my own voice. I don't want to sound vain, but I shouldn't have waited so long to do this. I LOVE IT! Mike is very encouraging and lots of fun during our sessions. I just hope I am progressing as I should.

Joann (Jae)

Jim

David, Thanks for your insight and advice this morning. Our conversation was very helpful. I will be implementing your suggestions regarding my demo ASAP. I will contact your office later this week to schedule an appointment to discuss the construction of a home studio. Thanks again for your valuable input!

Gary

When I first arrived at Edge Studio last year, after four Manhattan VO coaches and six years developing myself in the VO business, I learned more in forty-five minutes of coaching with David Goldberg than all experiences previous. David's many professional talents and strengths, as well as wonderful personal qualities, are too numerous to mention in a brief testimonial. Aside from being a phenomenal producer, David is just such a truly terrific teacher with a super 'recording booth-side...

Michael Schmitt

Hi Paul, Just wanted to say today's session was great as we had you all to ourselves :) I can't wait to do my next demo with you and I was telling my husband all about it tonight I so much enjoyed working our one on one tonight , I am just so much more relaxed now and I know I still need direction to get it to the next level,but I have so much more confidence as I have learnt a lot since I did my demo ... I have just been listening to voice bank and I listened to you ....you are great !! and I...

Rebecca

Kerry, I really enjoyed meeting you the other day. Although I was suffering with a cold and sinusitis, you really took the time to listen to my voice through all the nasal congestion that I had that day. You have a great ear to be able to hear anything positive about my session (unless you are trying to use me for a cold medicine commercial). You gave great advice and really narrowed down the things I should work on to improve my marketability. Thank you so much and I hope we work together...

Shannon Taitt

Hi David, Its time to switch my compliments. I've just finished my 3rd private session with Tom & wanted to let you know how terrific he was with me. He brings patience and constructive criticism, working with me on the pieces until I get a thorough understanding of delivery. He also sets the stage for the demo, advising what types of pieces he would like to see on them. Just the kind of experience I am coming to expect from your studio. My next session is with Judy & I am looking forward to...

Sharon

Hi David, Just a note to report positively on the accent acquisition workshop with Sam Chwat. I was in the early session and our last class was on May 18. If you've ever been to his office, you've noticed that he has more than his share of celebrity appreciations, which are apparently well deserved. With his coaching I am now able to voice the accents that we practiced, which was a skill worth learning in its own right, not to mention the value of adding it as a skill to my personal talents in...

Norman

David, thanks so much for the excellent coaching sessions; I learned so much and had a fun time in the process! When I get my design act together I would love to run the titling of the tracks by you for feedback if you don't mind. Thanks again for everything,

Karla H.

I just wanted to again thank Keri and the entire staff at Edge studio for an honest, informative and straightforward evaluation of me as a voiceover talent. Thankfully, my training session was all that I expected and then some. I truly appreciate the much needed advice that you have provided me in my efforts to pursue voiceover work in the future. I sincerely look forward to working with you again very soon.

Carlos

I just wanted to thank you again for the V.O. session yesterday. In addition to the professional comments and perspective which were most helpful, I enjoyed the conversation. I will try to schedule another session in the next few weeks. Regards,

Evan

David: For the past several weeks I have been working with one of your terrific coaches, Judy. She is absolutely awesome! In our most recent session she believes I require one perhaps two more sessions prior to going to the studio to produce my demo. You all at Voice Edge have been so helpful and professional and I believe your efforts and professionalism can assist me in reaching my goals. Should you and I speak for a few moments prior to making the appointment for the production or...

Drew

David, I had an enormously great time making the 6th Ave commercials. I just wanted to let you know that I couldn't have done it without you. You took me from sounding like a novice to sounding professional. I want to thank you for being such a good coach, teacher and director, and for believing in me to give me this opportunity. I look forward to working with you again.

Joe D.

Elissa I did just what your friend wants to do! I took a $ 25 class at the local high school on "How to get into voice work". Luckily the instructor was a professional from New York, who organized workshops and recording sessions with David Goldberg of Edge Studio (also in New York). David came here and conducted a three hour workshop and did our recordings for demos. We were given honest evaluations about whether we should go for commercial work or narration work or both (or none!). ...

Pamela

Hi Cathy, I don't know if you remember me, but approximately one month ago very early in the morning (8:30 am) you were nice enough to sign me on at Edge Studios for its demo program. I just had my first private session with Michael Ingram. He was fabulous! Could you please pass on my thanks to him? I will be calling you within the next week or so to set up more appointments. Have a great week! Sincerely,

Gladiss

David, Thanks for all your time and input during our evaluation training placement. I learned much and took many notes for future reference. I am glad I read the manual ahead of time. You are very thorough and I am looking forward to my evaluation on Tuesday. Sincerely,

Carolyn E Durham, NC

Jay is a gem among gems. I left his workshop feeling empowered.

Hi, David. I promised you feedback as I was running out the door last Wednesday, so here goes: Kristin was fantastic. You already know this because she works with you. There are many reasons why this class worked so well. Kristin has a very congenial and warm personality. I can imagine that not every voice over artist is as likable as Kristin. In addition, she inspires and gets the students excited about the work. I also really liked this class because we each had booth time. I took...

Suzanne Obolsky

I just had to let you know that I had a great read for an agent tonight by applying what I learned in today's session. The agent, brought her own copy for us to read. It was for a bank and the first line read "I loved my bank". To practice reading it three different ways, I asked myself three questions: 1. How do I feel about triple scoop hot fudge sundaes 2. How do I feel about a really good friend (I picked a specific one) 3. How do I feel about someone I have a crush on (a specific...

Tami

Hi Jean, Thank you so much! I can't tell you how grateful I am. I also wanted to thank you personally for setting me up with the trial voice over session with Eric. He is my favorite coach by far and I'm really excited about putting my reels together with him.

Keshia

I just wanted to let you know I was at the studio today and I couldn't have been more pleased. I guess things happen for a reason, but in the case it couldn't have worked out better for me. Just thought a bright note might help, during this time. Have a great weekend.

Mark

Hi Paul. Well, the vo went very well with Fortunoff. They loved my work! I just can't thank you enough for your invaluable training and guidance. Whatever you are doing, it is working. I'm getting better all the time. It took about four hours and the price was right! I loved every minute of being in the studio. The Creative Director of the ad agency found me on voice123.com and contacted me directly. He said he listened to 80 demos and loved mine. He said he loved how I was "so New...

Hi David, Just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the surprise coaching session yesterday! It was a real treat to be unexpectedly team coached by you at Deb's workshop! Thanks for letting us use your studio. You've developed quite an outgrowth program, am I'm delighted to be part of your tele-class Phase 4 group.

Linda

Hi Joan, I wanted to let you know my last audition was exactly what we practiced. Saying a short amount of copy 4 times in a row. And I did really well! I think you would have been proud. The coaching r-e-a-l-l-y helped. The

Amanda

David is the guy you want if you want an honest appraisal of your abilities, practical help in improving your skills and the real deal on this business.

Reginald Metcalf

Hi David, I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic coaching session I had with Randye last Friday. Although I had originally booked the hour as coaching/recording for a demo update.... we actually focused on picking the right genre for me and worked on that type of copy. Randye even gracioiusly reviewed my Narration and Commercial demos that I sent to her prior to the session. It was so beneficial to hear her constructive review of what I have already, what I could work on and what...

Michele

Hi David, You and I spoke one time, quite a few months back. It was when you did the "annoying radio add", I don't recall what you called it exactly but it was along those lines. I sent you the mp3 and you called me and gave me some advice. Well I dropped the ball on that and sent you something annoying but it wasn't what you were really looking for. I redid the bit and sent it to you and you emailed me back with your comments, which was much appreciated. I also appreciated how you...

Dear David, Thank you so much for your continued encouragement. It is greatly appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you on Wednesday. David, you are not only knowledgeable about your work, you have a knack for making someone feel completely at ease, you are professional, courteous and pleasant to work with and totally appreciated by me - as I also informed Jean yesterday.

I feel very fortunate to have found Edge Studio. David and Mike are very knowledgeable, patient, and supportive teachers, and they deliver their instruction in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. They allow students to learn and progress at a comfortable pace and always strive to have them do their best. I would recommend Edge Studio highly to anyone. I can't think of anyplace else where I would have wanted to be trained...or any other studio where I'd want to continue my training.

Dale Grant - North Burnswick, NJ

[I had my first job!] I can honest say I felt confident and understood exactly what the producer asked for. The work we did, your critical ear and preciseness made me very comfortable with the whole audition. Thanks. I'll let you know about Tuesday too

Dave Dettore

Thanks again for the impromptu training session this morning. I really appreciate your advice and direction. I even implemented the techniques we discussed on the recording I did after we met. It helped!

John Foran

Hi David, Thank you so much for the great coaching session last night. The hour went so fast! My confidence level went way up because of the encouragement you gave me. I recorded the session, and I am sure I will be referring to it in the future. Thanks again,

Sue