American English Lessons & Accent Reduction
I provide targeted, one-on-one coaching to help you bridge the gap between “knowing” English and “owning” it. I conduct all lessons online by Google Meet (or Zoom or Microsoft Teams), tailored to your timezone and professional schedule.
Tailored Coaching Paths
Choose the track that matches your professional or academic goals.
The Executive
Best for: founders, CTOs, and managers
We focus on high-stakes communication: editing your pitch deck other other presentation, rehearsing investor Q&As, and refining your “Silicon Valley” presence. I help you project authority in every email and meeting.
The Fluent Conversationalist
Best for: social integration, networking
Our focus is accent reduction and natural phrasing. Using conversation as our core, we tackle the subtle nuances of “General American” pronunciation so you can speak with ease and confidence.
The Perfectionist
Best for: advanced speakers aiming for “near-native” status
We dive deep into the phonetic “last mile.” We’ll iron out the tiny grammatical and melodic tells that separate fluent speakers from native-level communicators.
The Effective Writer
Best for: academics and technical professionals
From API documentation to university essays, I help you master US-style structure, punctuation, and “technical English” tone.
Specialized for Russian and German speakers: Stuck on a concept? We can switch to your native tongue to clarify grammar or phonetics, ensuring you never leave a lesson confused.
Why Choose a Californian Linguist?
- Native authority: Born and raised in California, I teach the “Standard American” accent—the most widely understood dialect in global business.
- Linguistic depth: With a background in linguistics from UC Davis, I don’t just tell you what to say; I explain the how and why behind phonetics and syntax.
- Cultural context: Having lived in San Francisco and Washington DC, I understand the social operating systems of the places where your career is likely focused.
- Bilingual advantage: I am fluent in Russian and German, allowing me to explain complex English concepts through the lens of your native grammar.
- Learning experience: I’ve also studied other languages, such as Spanish, Malay, and Italian. My personal experience helps me understand your learning process, and informs my recommendations to you on how to learn effectively. Languages are fun!
Rates & Booking
Hourly Rate: US$55
This includes lesson materials, real-time editing, and homework assignments.
- Payment methods: Zelle, credit/debit card, PayPal, or Cash App.
- Direct booking: Schedule a time for your first lesson on my contact page.
- Cancellation: 24-hour notice required for a full refund.
photo: Seattle is in a region where people speak American English without any regional accent
Comparison: How Do You Learn Best?
| Tutoring Apps | Community College | Private Lessons with Scott | |
| Experience | N/A | Varies by teacher | Native speaker + linguist |
| Feedback | Immediate, from basic voice recognition | Some | Immediate & phonetic |
| Individual focus | Low | None | 100% tailored to you, at your pace |
| Native cultural perspective | Little or none | Some | California native |
