Auldtimer

>>Why not go allong to clubs or singarounds?

I do

>>Be very wary of what "voice teachers" will try to impose upon you. If you are aiming at next years X Factor they may be of help but if it's "folk" material you want to perform ?

The implication of what are you are saying is that it doesn't matter how you sing if you are singing folk material. Is this what you meant? It seemed to be somewhat at odds with your last paragraph where you point out things that apply to all sorts of material.

My aim in going to a teacher is to produce a better/nicer sound out of me and to have someone who knows what they are doing point me in the right direction to reinforce what I do well and improve on the bits I do less well. I sing reasonably at the moment so that people listen when I sing and don't throw things or yell abuse but I'm sure I could make a better sound than I do now. I could breathe better I'm sure. I could sing more evenly across the range I sing. I could improve my tone and phrasing. etc etc

If I knew how to do it myself I would (I record and listen to myself on tape so I have some clue of what I sound like), but I would like someone who could not only point out the bits that are good and bad but also how to fix the bits that don't work so well.

My wife had the pleasure of some time with Janet Russell a couple of years ago where she was given some help and tips (Janet doesn't do one to one lessons but was kind enough to see her) and it was really helpful to her.