Thanks again Vikki I respect what you say even though you may be in the minority. I repeat, most, correction, a hellavalot of vocal coaches do more harm than good. They DO teach no hopers who believe that they CAN sing and the vast majority of these no hopers are just as bad coming out as when they go in just a bit poorer. They impose their own style which in most cases does not match the pupils style. Some have qualifications/credentials/experience debateable as to value or authenticity. Most of all they charge money for imparting what amounts to little else but plain common sense advice. But hey if folk think they need it and want to spend their money on it good luck to them. I am sure it works for some.
Re the young girl, I would bet $1m to a pinch of dust that you could do little or nothing to make her a passable singer never mind fulfil her aspirations as a pro singer. She thought that with a few lessons she could be a millionaire pop star by going on the X factor (British equiv of American Idol). Someone had to bring her down to earth before she got upset by everybody laughing at her. She was completely tone deaf and had no sense of rythmn. Yes you can bring out the best in someone but even you cannot work miracles. You have to have some natural talent to work with. What would you do honestly if such a person came to you?
By the way neither of us are wrong we just have different opinions and experiences that we share.
All the best and much respect. JIM