I think my voice is starting to get better as I get older and I've been thinking of taking voice lessons so I can hit the local karaoke circuit. Do they help or they a waste of time and money for the not so vocally gifted?
In my experience: yes! I have taught vocal students of various ages and backgrounds and no matter what kind of voice they walked in with (whether it was naturally pleasing to the ear OR if they sang without support and sang flat as a result), in the end- the "most improved" students were those who WORKED! You just need to have a genuine interest and it's so true that "practice makes perfect". Even if one's voice is not naturally gorgeous like a Luciano Pavarotti, get the edge over singers like him by singing like a real *musician* (he cannot read music!). Learn all the musical terms on your sheet music and always come ready to work , several pencils ready to mark up your songs or vocal scores. It will never be a waste if it's your passion and if you give it 200%.