The thing with a lot of the arts is they aren't pushed or required in school the same way math or writing are. So someone that says "I draw like a five year old" probably stopped drawing around that time.

I'm a firm believer that everyone can learn the craft part of drawing and painting. Some people will learn at a faster rate and some will learn at a slower rate, but everyone can learn. And just like math and writing, there will be those who excel, those who are average, and those who are below average.

Also, everyone says "I can't sing."

Most people can learn to be decent at it. A few really are tone-deaf, but not all that many.

I was trained in singing in elementary school and then again in high school.

I made an honor choir or two. (This would be a significant accomplishment if I was female, which I am not. They'll take pretty much any boy who can hit the right notes.)

Years ago I recovered from a cold except that the phlegm in my throat didn't go away. It is still with me. If I try to sing, my voice will just cut out on certain pitches, and sometimes I'll get a gurgling effect from the phlegm.

I would like to be able to sing again.

:(

I had a voice teacher who was also an opera singer, and "singing when you have a cold" was a very common problem for him. Every singer has to do it, so I'd encourage you to consult one. Good luck.

Thanks for the response. I will look into it.