I only did Course 1 and not taking anymore classes. Was not impressed with instructor. Had to drive 30 min there and back and never completed a cake in class------but any who hollar-- I only know the classic vanilla buttercream and have only tried the simple vanilla and chocolate cakes. I am afraid of messing up someones cake by trying something new like different bc , extract flavors, etc.. So I basically need some guidance. What is mostly used? Vanilla Almond or Butter extract? Frozen vs. unfrozen cakes? And last but not least Doctored or Undoctered versions? Any advice?
you're gonna get mixed emotions on all of your questions........the best thing to do is to play around.......when I play.......I try all the different flavorings etc. like you say.......and then I send them with my DH to work..........if the cake tastes horrible......he doesn't say he brought it LOL
I had to sharpen my skills after years of being away from cake decorating. In many ways it's like starting over. I just made lots of cakes. Tried lots of flavor combinations....and lots of different icings. I would urge you to build a selection. The same icing is not going to work for all situations. Plus, you're going to get people who like fluffy...and people who hate it. People who want that lovely, sleek fondant look. In the last week, I've had a request for "something different...anything but chocolate or vanilla" (I gave them orange with champagne flavored icing)...and today someone wanted a carrot cake. Because I'd practiced and knew just which recipe to use, I said, "Sure...I do a mean carrot cake."
Practice, practice, practice.
And, it's not a sin to eat a couple of pieces out of a cake and then throw the rest away. The Starving Children in China will be no worse off. You have to be able to trust your recipes and know that the texture and taste will be there for you...every time.
Did I mention that you should practice a lot? 
Crimsicle,
I agree that cake decorating is NOT like riding a bike. You do loose those skills.
I started out slowly with a cake mix dr recipe and a few different fillings. I have added a lot of recipes from this website to my recipe box.
You just have to play around! Keep trying until your family is just plain sick of cake.
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