I have found this thread so informative, thank you to all the contributors of invaluable advice. I recently decided to have vocal tuition even at my mature age (I am in my fifties) and after three lessons I aleady feel its a huge help. My teacher says that I have beautiful voice and am still only using 20% of it. I feel I am on a great learning path having tossed off the shackles of self limition! I avidly check out this wonderful site for inspiration and find it a great resource for learning new songs. Many thanks again to all