I belong to a specific category of writers, those who speak and write in a language different from that of their parents.
When I had my first voice lesson I was 15 years old. And I had a really good teacher. This is what made all the difference. A good teacher will teach you the technique, but also how to listen to your voice.
The complaint of bad pay, and difficulty in obtaining it, is almost generally reiterated through every department of education.