Mick Walsh Voice Coach and Voice Therapist
Introduction to Vocal Wellness with Mick Walsh
Welcome to Vocal Wellness, the unique space where vocal therapy meets mental health and life coaching. I’m Mick Walsh, and I'm dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential by harnessing the power of your voice.
Your voice is far more than just a means of communication; it’s a direct link to your emotional landscape, your confidence, and your overall well-being. Stress, anxiety, and past experiences can restrict your voice, manifesting as physical tension, hesitation, or a perceived lack of power.
The Healing Power of Your Voice
Vocal therapy is a powerful tool for addressing common mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and stress. When we experience heightened stress or anxiety, our breathing becomes shallow, and the muscles around our throat, jaw, and chest tighten—literally constricting the free flow of our voice.
Here, we use targeted vocal techniques to consciously release this physical tension. By learning to breathe deeply and project your voice fully, you can activate your body’s Vagus nerve, promoting a calm and regulated nervous system. This process can act as a natural anti-depressant, helping to alleviate feelings of numbness or heaviness associated with depression, and significantly reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic. It’s about creating a safe, expressive outlet for pent-up emotions, helping you move from feeling stuck to feeling free and empowered.
My unique expertise is built on a foundation of diverse training, including advanced studies in psychology, stress management, and cognitive principles at Harvard Medical School. I complement this with cutting-edge behavioral change techniques, having been personally trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) by its co-founder, Richard Bandler."
A Holistic Path to Wellness
Through personalized vocal exercises, mindful techniques, and targeted coaching, we don't just work on sound—we work on the self. Whether you aim to speak with greater authority in the boardroom, sing with more freedom, manage performance anxiety, or simply feel more present and grounded in daily life, Vocal Wellness provides the tools you need.
Discover how finding your true voice can lead to profound mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a more purposeful life. Ready to speak, sing, and live more fully? Let’s begin this transformative journey together.
I also offer traditional voice training. I teach adults and children to find their true voice, both emotionally and physically. You’ll learn from a seasoned, working professional with years of experience, the correct way to use and maintain your voice. I was signed by Simon Cowell to his Arista, BMG record label in London, England and I have sang with Sir Paul McCartney and many others. I teach in a fun and relaxed way in person (in the Freehold/ Central NJ area) or online via Zoom. Have a read of my daily blog or hit the contact button if you want to reach me.
Inside the Studio: What Happens in a Vocal Therapy & Singing Lesson with Mick Walsh?
If you’ve ever considered working with your voice for personal growth, or to improve your singing, you might wonder what a typical session actually looks like. At Vocal Wellness, our lessons are far more than just "singing practice." They are powerful, integrated sessions combining vocal technique, emotional release, and cognitive coaching.
Here is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect when you step into a voice/singing and vocal therapy lesson with me, Mick Walsh.
Phase 1: The Check-In and Goal Setting (5–10 Minutes)
Every session begins not with a scale, but with a conversation. This is crucial for integrating the vocal therapy and life coaching elements of our work.
The Emotional Audit: I'll ask you to check in with your current state.
“How are you feeling today—physically and emotionally?”
“What kind of week have you had? Have you experienced any stress, anxiety, or high pressure?”
Vocal Observation: We discuss any changes in your voice since our last meeting.
“Have you noticed any tension in your throat or jaw while speaking?”
“Where are you breathing from today—your chest or your diaphragm?”
Setting the Focus: Based on your answers, we decide on the primary objective for the session. This might be purely technical (e.g., expanding your upper range), emotional (e.g., releasing a knot of stress), or a blend (e.g., practicing an assertive voice for a difficult presentation).
Phase 2: Warm-Up, Breathwork, and Body Awareness (15–20 Minutes)
We start by preparing the entire instrument—not just the vocal cords. This phase directly targets the physiological roots of stress and vocal restriction.
Mindful Breathing & Vagal Tone: We use deep, intentional breathwork to settle the nervous system. Techniques often include:
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focusing on expanding the belly and ribs to engage the full capacity of the lungs, which signals safety to the Vagus nerve.
Extended Exhales: Using prolonged, quiet hissing or humming to further regulate heart rate and reduce anxiety.
Body Release and Posture: We release physical tension through gentle stretches and movement, focusing on the jaw, neck, shoulders, and chest.
Goal: To establish an open, aligned posture—the foundation of a free voice.
Vocalization Warm-Ups: We start with simple, non-judgmental sounds like sirens, gentle lip trills, and tongue trills. These exercises safely prepare the vocal cords while removing self-censorship.
Phase 3: Targeted Vocal Technique and Therapeutic Release (20–25 Minutes)
This is the core of the session, where we integrate technical skill with emotional freedom.
A. The Technical Aspect (Singing/Speaking Skill)
We focus on building sustainable, healthy vocal habits:
Resonance Placement: Learning how to place the sound in different parts of the head and chest to achieve power and clarity without straining.
Vowel and Consonant Clarity: Refining articulation to ensure your message is received clearly and with intent, which is vital for professional communication.
Range Expansion: Using scales and exercises to safely access higher and lower notes, building versatility and vocal stamina.
B. The Therapeutic Aspect (Emotional Release)
We use sound to break through physical and emotional blocks:
Expressive Sounding: This may involve intentionally using sounds like sighs, controlled cries, or even a therapeutic "yawn-sigh" to release tension held in the throat and jaw.
Confronting Hesitation: We work on pushing past the impulse to hold back or apologize for your voice. This often involves practicing volume and authority in a safe space.
NLP and Cognitive Reframing: If a technical challenge surfaces (e.g., "I always crack on this note," or "I freeze when I speak in public"), we apply NLP techniques to reframe the limiting belief instantly, integrating a positive cognitive shift with the physical vocal practice.
Phase 4: Application and Integration (5–10 Minutes)
The final phase brings the work back into the real world.
Song/Text Application: We apply the new techniques or emotional breakthroughs to a piece of music, a speech, or a challenging real-life scenario (e.g., running through the opening lines of a presentation or practicing a boundary-setting conversation).
Self-Coaching Tools: We identify one to two simple techniques you can use on your own throughout the week—a specific breath practice, a warm-up sound, or a cognitive mantra.
Example: “Use the gentle hum for 30 seconds before your morning meeting to ground your voice.”
Closing Check-In: We end by noting the difference between your emotional and physical state at the start of the session versus the end.
A session with me is a dynamic process where sound is the vehicle for self-discovery and lasting change. It’s not just about learning how to use your voice; it’s about giving yourself permission to have a voice.
What a Voice Lesson is Like with Mick Walsh
Are you looking to unlock your full vocal potential, boost your confidence, and learn from a seasoned music professional? Then a voice lesson with Mick Walsh, one of the UK's top vocal coaches, is the perfect place to start—or continue—your journey.
Mick Walsh, with his incredible background, brings a wealth of real-world experience and a remarkably supportive teaching philosophy to every session. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect when you step into a lesson with him.
A Fun, Relaxed, and Engaging Atmosphere
One of the first things students and parents notice is the positive and encouraging environment Mick creates. His teaching style is often described as fun and relaxed. Testimonials consistently highlight his ability to make students feel comfortable immediately, allowing them to drop their self-consciousness and truly enjoy the process of singing.
Positive & Supportive: Students feel encouraged, not criticized. As one student put it, he embraces their "emotional style" while using his expertise to address any technical issues "without criticism."
Keeps the Enthusiasm High: Mick has a knack for recognizing individual talents and keeping their interest "peaked" and their "enthusiasm high."
Unlocking Your "True Voice"
Mick's core philosophy centers on helping both adults and children "find their true voice, both emotionally and physically." This means his lessons go beyond simple vocal exercises.
Emotional & Physical Connection: You will learn the correct way to use and maintain your voice, focusing on the technical knowledge required for longevity while also embracing the emotional expression that makes singing powerful.
Developing Technique & Musicianship: Students of Mick's note how their voice has "developed tremendously" thanks to his considerable knowledge of vocal technique and musicianship.
Confidence Building: The focus isn't just on notes and pitch—it's on performance. Students gain confidence in singing, writing songs, and even speaking in public.
Learning from a True Industry Professional
Mick Walsh is not just a teacher; he is a working professional with a remarkable career, and this experience is woven into every lesson.
Impressive Background: Mick was signed to Simon Cowell's record label in London, has had number one hits in the UK and US, and has even sung with legendary artists like Sir Paul McCartney.
Real-World Insight: He knows how to succeed in the business and can provide the tools and guidance needed to help a student "get their big break" if that is their goal.
More Than Just Singing: Lessons often include learning to write songs and one-to-one coaching on developing your unique sound and style. He's an expert at embracing the singer you are, not trying to mold you into someone else.
Practical Features of the Lesson
Personalized Coaching: Lessons are taught on a one-to-one basis, ensuring all instruction is tailored to the individual student's needs, whether they are a beginner or a seasoned performer.
Convenient Formats: Lessons are available in person in the Freehold/Central New Jersey area, or conveniently online via Zoom.
Creative Opportunities: Students may have the opportunity to record their own CD, which is an invaluable experience for any aspiring artist.
In short, a voice lesson with Mick Walsh is an investment not just in your vocal cords, but in your entire musical and personal confidence. It's a journey of growth, technical mastery, and rediscovering the sheer joy of music, all guided by a mentor who is exceptionally talented, supportive, and insightful.
“I learned so much from Mick he is very patient and kind. He’s a great teacher and amazing mentor”
— Maria D