Friendly, passionate and engaging teacher - Cambridge CELTA qualified, specialising in English, Accent & Pronunciation and Writing

Dear Sir/Madam,
I highly recommend Benedict Hastings as a candidate for the position of a Voice Coach. I have had the pleasure of working with him for more than a year and a half; on and off at the beginning, but regularly during the past 4 months. He is a driven, well organized person, who is as keen on improving my voice skills (and my accent!) as much as I am!
I come from Bulgaria where we use our voice in a different way while speaking. He has never refused to help me in any possible way. At the beginning, we could only do Skype sessions, and he was happy to try that out. Then, we both agreed that I should move to the UK in order to improve my skills properly. And when I knew I was able to do that a few months ago, I could experience a way better live teaching with him.
During the past 4 months, we’ve been meeting more often, sometimes a few times a week, and he has successfully helped me on my way to achieving my goal, which is to get into a drama school in London. Well, I have not been offered a place yet, but I have managed to go through rounds 1 and 2 in a few schools. I am yet about to do third rounds. Which pretty much means his part of the job is done. The rest will depend on me.
Apart from Ben’s ability to embrace my goals, he is amazing and quick in spotting the speech and voice problems I am coming to lessons with. When he ‘unlocks’ a new one, the next time he is prepared with specific exercises that will help me seamlessly overcome the given problem.
To conclude, I dare say that it is thanks to Ben that now I finally feel I am in control of my voice and diaphragm (the latter is not obligatory to be used when speaking in Bulgarian, Italian, or French!).
Last but not least, having lessons with Ben is a positive and fun experience. We are working with smiles on our faces. That’s why I recommend him to you without reservation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at +447784713170, +359886289439, or martin.g.ganchev@gmail.com should you have further questions. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Martin Ganchev

Benedict is extremely knowledgeable, a great communicator and very easy to talk to. He has encouraged my son to challenge himself and to think ideas through. Enjoyable lessons which helped understanding of the material studied and furthered ability to write the essay which was what had been requested.