(Why I get so involved in "voice" threads ?) Sorry for posting too much.
There's one last question from my friend El Pedro which I would like to answer:
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Question: what should people who haven't got time to go to a voice teacher do to improve, shape their voice? Anyone found a good book or some words of advice? For popular or folk or jazz styles, not classical. How would you practice? -- I sing all the time, but have no structure at all.
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There are many good books, for example The Art of Singing by Madeleine Mansion, about 1950, but the problem is that this is a highly physical process of learning. If no teacher hears your exercises, nobody tells you when it is good to stop, when you are forcing your voice, when you are obtaining the correct sound, how gradually you should attempt the high notes, etc., the process may be more harmful than beneficiary. I would recommend to go to a teacher who has a classic education and experience, and tell him the truth, that you are not starting a career in opera, but want to improve. If he/she is reasonable, and has had experience with pop and folk singers, will surely accept the opportunity of making together a good job . If he/she tells you that only classic students are accepted, don't feel disappointed, cause each one has his own speciality, just look for another. Avoid those who have never had a classic experience.
And see you at La Scala !
Un abrazo - Andrés