Bristol is a major centre for music and the arts.  If you are looking to develop your voice and performance as a singer then there are some great places where you can learn new skills and techniques and you will also have access to performance venues of different sizes which will suit all styles of singing.

No matter what your age, getting support and help with your singing is a good idea and a good singing teacher or tutor will be able to help you whatever your style - pop, rock, soul, R&B, blues, theatre, classical, etc.

A good vocal coach could even help you with your audition for The X Factor, Britain's Got Talent, or The Voice.

These are the typical things that you can work in a singing class or with a good singing teacher.

• Vocal technique - how to improve your range, your breathing and your tuning/pitch.

• Interpretation - how to make a song your own, how to phrase and how to improve your delivery.

• Performance - how to sing with confidence, how to own the stage and sing to an audience.

• Choosing a song - how to choose the right song for you, how to change it to make it your own, and how to develop your own material.

How to pick the right singing teacher:

• drop them an email and tell them what you think you would like to develop;
• or give them a call and have a chat;
• ask them how long they have been singing;
• ask them how often they perform themselves;
• find out how they run their lessons or classes.

A typical lesson with a good teacher will cost between £20 and £50 for around 45 minutes to an hour.

Singing, singing lessons and music in and around Bristol

Britain's Got Talent returning to UK screens in 2012.

BBC starts its 2012 show 'The Voice'.