Ok folks, I want to take control of my own training and do a bit of independent learning. I've been trawling the internet looking for good courses on singing and singing teachers.

Can anyone recommend anything? It needs to be suitable for singers, not just experienced singing teachers. And preferably in popular vocals and/or musical theatre rather than classical.

I have found a few but rather than put words in anyone's mouths I'd rather you gave your own accounts.

And so I wait... it's a new dawn, a new day and a new life for me, and I'm feeling good

I'd recommend joining the Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) or the British Voice Association, which I am about to join. Both organisations offer courses on singing and teaching singing, from one day courses to residential weekend or week long ones, with vocal health in mind and covering many differnt genres.

Just read this after PM. Singing and the Actor would definitely fit that description. They do a range of styles (when I was there they had pop, classical, musical theatre, gospel, soul...) and, a I said, there's a range from amateur and professional singers and teachers. Would certainly recommend for what you're looking for.

Maria - yes I'm very tempted. Plus it is only an hour from home - even better. It's ?500. But I guess you thought it was worth it.

AnnC - Had looked at the AOTOS site but their week course is just for singing teachers and I think I'd like to build (or rebuild) my confidence with something aimed at singers. The BVA course on Rock and Pop looks good though. Cheaper than a residential but in that London. Something to think about.

Anyone know any distance learning courses? I'd looked at the Open University but there's nothing specifically on singing.

Yes, overall I did. I think particularly the first course. There's a fair bit of singing and a good chance to explore your own voice (you take 2 or 3 songs to work on) as well as doing stuff from a teaching point of view. I learned more on the first course but both were big confidence boosts.

Fab, that's almost me decided! How many were on the course?

8/9. Then Gillyanne and Jeremy run it.

Where do I sign!

THe BVA do a course called Fundametals of the Singing Voice in conjunction with City Lit in London. It is on Sundays for ten weeks. It's brilliant. You learn about the anatomy of the voice from speech therapists, physiotherapists, laryngologists (not sure how to spell that), we had a masterclass with Janice Chapman, classical and Mark Maylan, music theatre, had a day with Ron Norris on articulation, really fascinating stuff and well worth the money. There were teachers and performers there from all genres.

That looks really good. I'll look it up. Thanks for the tip.

I wish all courses were run in the west midlands though

Agreed!!