One reason why many promising singers dont realize their potential is because they
get tied down with certain ideas and are afraid to stretch their singing boundaries. It is the quality of the training you receive which will determine how much of your potential you are able to realize. The best singing schools of London ensure that you do. You will be able to gauge the quality of the school when you carefully read through what is on the course. Remember, even if you want to sing pop or folk music a sound grounding in classical music and jazz will help you to sing better and for a longer period of time.
So if you intend to pursue a career in singing, then it makes better sense to choose to acquire a singing degree over more traditional pursuits. It is the only way to be true to yourself and your calling. The importance of well-rounded musicianship can never be overemphasized. If you have the heart for it, the passion and discipline it requires, then go ahead and train under the kind of singing coach in London who knows what s/he is doing. Singing requires more than talent since sounding good is subjective. Possession of a gift is different from actually putting it to good use.
The critical aspect you should never lose sight of whether you join a singing school or take private coaching from a singing coach is that whether and how much you improve is going to depend on you. You have to own your progress and invest enough effort and thought. Your teacher can at the most point the way you have to travel the road. S/he can tell what you are doing right and what needs correction. Sometimes it might even be a matter of unlearning certain singing practices and techniques. However, it all depends on you as to how receptive you are to suggestions and how hard you work. How long it will take for people to begin to notice improvements in your singing depends as much on you as the quality of the instruction you receive.