open and willing to ...

Hello there,

Would you take a look at this paragraph?  My question is about the last sentence:

          Can a person actually learn a new accent?  Many people feel that after a certain age, it's just not possible. Can classic musicians play jazz?  If they practice, of course they can!  For your American accent, it's just a matter of learning and practicing techniques this book and CD set will teach you.  It is up to you to use them or not.  How well you do depends mainly on how open and willing you are to sounding different from the way you have sounded all your life. 
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I wanted to memorize the last sentence , then stumbled: I am open to sounding different, but I am willing to sound different, right...?  I asked my friend who's a native speaker; he said, "This sentence does not sound quite right... I don't know, let me ponder!."


I'd be happy if I can get your advice.

CalifJim wrote:

The writer has painted himself into a corner, grammatically speaking! He has open to sounding different and willing to sound different.  And he wants to combine them into one expression without repeating the idea of sounding different. Either to sounding or to sound would have worked.  Apparently, open was more important to the author than willing, so he chose the continuation which goes with open, namely, to sounding different. CJ

Hmm...!!  I'd rather memorize your sentences.  So clear, so soccinct. 

Thank you so much, as always: you helped me, this lazybones, jump-start my accent training!