Do you understand the risks invoved?

I get attacked when I truthfully tell these people they can't train themselves. As for me, I don't ask people on Yahoo for singing advice. Even if they are actual experts, if they aren't in the same room with me, listening and watching what I'm doing, they can't be of much help (and I'm not about to Skype with strangers). I've asked mostly about repertoire suggestions--I remember getting a really good list of Ralph Vaughan Williams' songs since I wanted a few to go with the ones I was already going to sing and had a hard time choosing.

I'm in-between lessons right now--primarily because I don't sing for a living and so job/family responsibilities sometimes prevent the constant training that would NOT be an option if I sang professionally or semi-professionally. Nevertheless, if I decide to do some major performance (a major concert, or full-length production) going back to voice is actually NOT an option. I've been singing in some classical recitals monthly, but I will choose songs and arias suited for my voice and abilities and leave the flashier, heavier repertoire to the experts (many of them who actually sing opera professionally).

I also make sure I'm VERY clear that I am NOT a voice teacher. I often will post articles from a couple of websites that I do know have accurate information, but again I try to make it known that I do not personally train from these people and that it is always best to get your own local face to face teacher whenever possible. I try to make people understand that even when the information is GOOD, it's only as good as your understanding of it. If you misunderstand something, or if you make a mistake, there is no way a beginner is going to know they made the mistake or how to correct it. They end up practicing mistakes over and over again.

I have also pointed out that even with experience, you can still make mistakes. I've had voice teachers actually physically adjust me because my posture or head position or something was off even after they've already pulled out anatomy charts.

Furthermore, people who ask about singing seem to not understand that nearly all really great singers--ones with beautiful voices--could always sing in the first place. Training taught them to use their voices and no amount of training will give you someone else's voice or ability. Not saying I'm "great" but I can't remember a time I didn't sing because it came as naturally to me as talking.

Lessons just made me better and as I drift further and further into my late middle years, lessons will help keep my voice in shape through inevitable changes. I may not be able to avoid a change in timbre or range, but there is no reason why my voice has to go all wonky. I know singers well into their 70s and even 80s who are still singing beautifully.

Or the risks involed when you ask a stupid question anyway (how can I damage my voice to sound like my favourite death growler or will my voice get raspy if I smoke and drink a lot) and you get even more stupid answers from people who have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to singing but they still feel the need to answer and spread their "knowledge".

Yep Liz and Valkyrie it is endless isn't it and when you do answer with knowledge they don't believe you anyway. Why do we keep doing this????

Still I'd miss both your answers and sometimes I can tell the mood you are in by what you advise.

I bet only we answerers answer you today Liz.

Uh ohhhhhhhhhh

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"you can't handle the truth"