The Vocal Specialist
voice education and vocal manual therapy
About
Welcome to The Vocal Specialist. I'm Roisin Quinn and I've been working with people's voices for over 15 years in various capacities. I'm dedicated to the world of voice, music, songwriting and manual therapy. Through practice, education and research I facilitate space for others to learn about their voices and explore the possibilities related to personal aims and development.
I work with singers, rappers, artists, choirs, teachers, speakers as well as anyone having issues with voice use on a day to day basis.You can explore the different areas I specialise in by following the links on the home page .
I offer workshops, lessons and vocal massages on both a one off and regular basis. I offer massage therapy and voice sessions at two locations in Essex and East London, and also travel to theatres, performance venues and universities/colleges across the UK.
My experience ranges from individual teaching to choral directing, session vocalist to composer, and past positions include Head of Vocals, Course Leader, Head of Quality, MD of County Ensembles, Copyright Consultant, Vocal and Choral Development team and more.If you would like further information about any of the services I offer, or have any questions or thoughts, please don't hesitate to get in touch for an informal chat.MA (Songwriting) - PGCE - BMus (Hons)
Vocal Massage Training Certified - Estill L1&2 and AdvancedI'm also a songwriter and independent artist who writes, produces and releases original music. You can learn more about that HERE
vocal manual therapy
Vocal manual therapy, vocal massage and laryngeal manipulation are treatments that focus on the soft tissue, fascia and structures associated with the voice. I trained with the Voice Care Centre, who use an evidence formed, person focussed approach. If you're someone who uses your voice in a demanding way, or someone who is suffering with any kind of discomfort or disfunction related to your voice then help is at hand!
Vocal massage can be used as a rehabilitative aid after vocal injury, for muscle tension dysphonia, globus, swallowing disorders, jaw/tongue tension, freeing up and resetting the larynx and all types of vocal fatigue. This work is "pain free" and carried out in a collaborative way with importance on consent and feedback.I offer vocal manual therapy at two locations with treatment rooms in Essex (Harlow) and East London (Hackney)
I also travel to theatres, venues, universities/colleges around the UK for multiple or cast bookings.You can find out more about what vocal massage involves by following the Frequently Asked Questions link below.
If you'd like to book a session please follow the link below! If you can't see a suitable day/time/location available on the calendar, or if you'd like to enquire about a group/on-site booking please do drop me an email and I'll do my best to accommodate.
VOCAL HEALTH
Knowing how to look after our voices and maintain good vocal health is paramount for everyone, and especially for those who use their voices professionally, whether it's speaking or singing, and for anyone who suffers with any kind of vocal issues.
Our voice as an instrument is a complex thing!
There are many simple every day steps that can help keep our voices in as good health as possible. The way we speak, breath and use our voices, the food and drink we consume, our lifestyle and environment are just a few of the things that can affect our vocal health.I offer vocal health workshops and lessons to singers, teachers, public speakers and anyone who needs help maintaining good vocal health.You can also visit my Vocal Massage Therapy section to find out how vocal massage can also help with various vocal health issues.
THE BIGGER PICURE - A BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH
The term "biopsychosocial" refers to the interconnection between biological, psychological and socio-ecominic factors that might be at play for individuals.We can "zoom in" to specifics about the voice, but it is important to zoom back out and consider the bigger picture.
The voice can be a complex instrument due to the fact that it lives as part of a bigger system and is used to express (or not express!) lots of different things in lots of different ways.My personal experience of finding my own voice by considering this bigger picture coupled with my training at the voice care centre, where this model is always kept in mind, means I approach both group and individual work in this way.
VOCAL FUNCTION - HERE COMES THE SCIENCE
Knowledge of vocal anatomy and function is key to understanding how your voice works and how to use it in the way that you desire. Through study of the Estill model, vocal massage therapy training and my own practice and research, I am able to equip voice users with the knowledge and exercises they need to achieve the results they want in a healthy way.
This is an area I have found to be neglected in some teaching environments, and whilst not everyone needs or wants to know all of the physiology behind their singing, I strongly believe that the option should be given for voice users to gain a deeper understanding which can, in turn, support their own growth, development and voice use.
I believe that everyone and anyone can learn to use their voice to it's full capacity! There are many vocal techniques that are already instilled within us, we just need some guidance to unlock and re-learn them, in a supportive and safe environment.
VOCAL TECHNIQUE
Vocal technique, which ties in closely with vocal function and vocal health, can be taught, practised and mastered like any other skill.My approach is to give vocalists all of the skills and functional knoweldge they need to make the sounds that they want to make in the context they need to make them.Based on my practice of the Estill model, I strive to demystify vocal technique so that every singer can, through exploration and practise, have the confidence to produce reliable results and make the sounds they desire every time they open their mouth.Further exploration surrounding artistry and performance can then be applied so that vocalists can master their craft to the highest level.
ACCENT IN SINGING
"Accent & the Singing Songwriter" was the title of my MA Songwriting research paper, and is an area I continue to be quite obsessed with!This area can sometimes be left unexplored, especially in the world of pop singing, where historically American accents have been the norm. By studying current and historic trends, voice production and acoustics, accent and diction, audience expectations, psychological, sociological and artistic considerations, I have built up a comprehensive picture of this subject.Through my research and my own personal journey as a songwriter and artist, I am able to work with other artists to find their authentic voice, as well as coach session singers, those working on the function scene and in musical theatre to make stylistically accurate choices.
PROSODY IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE
&
TOPLINING
Using my expertise as a songwriter and session vocalist, I love to explore the idea of prosody in singing. Prosody in music is the study of all of the elements of a song or piece of music contributing to the meaning, message and theme. You often hear people talking about "serving the song" in this way.
This is especially useful for effective vocal performance and interpretation, and equally as important when it comes to composing topline melodies/lyrics.Knowing what tools to use and what options are available to us as singers to express a song, lyric or mood, can transform a technically able vocalist to become a master of their craft.I have an MA in Songwriting (Distinction) from Bath Spa Uni.
My work in this area can be heard in my own songwriting releases, numerous radio jingles and sync tracks with credits including Capital FM, BBC1, BBC3, BBC6Music and more.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR - CHOIRS AND VOCAL GROUPS
I work with various choirs and vocal groups as a Musical Director, conductor and vocal arranger. Using all of my vocal knowledge, combined with my musicianship, I love to lead groups of all abilities and genres.I work in all kinds of way from traditional SATB choral scores to teaching harmony and improvisation by ear, as well as creating vocal arrangements.
My current MD duties are with the Livewire Vocal Collective, a youth vocal group that is completely free to access thanks to funding, and the Harlow U3A choir, a community style choir with 60 members.
I believe group singing should be accessible to all and recently curated a choir festival event with seven choirs.Past MD work has included Essex Youth Jazz Voices, vocal and choral development team for Essex Music Hub, the Sounds of Essex festival, the Grime Opera (Max Wheeler and Eyez), Burnt Mill Gospel Choir, New Edition Singers, Hadleigh Voices and Canvey Island Community Choir.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWhat does a vocal massage involve?
Vocal massage is a manual therapy that focuses on the areas of the body used in voice production. These are primarily the neck, head, jaw, tongue and larynx. A combination of soft tissue, myofascial and manipulation techniques are used to target the structures and muscles in a deep but gentle way to provide relief and to work towards optimum voice use. The initial aim is to get your body and nervous system into "rest and digest" mode.
A vocal massage typically takes place on a massage table in supine position (laying face up) with some seated or standing work, but again this is flexible and can be adjusted to your needs.
This is a person centred and evidenced based massage and aims to be pain free. There will be ongoing dialogue about what feels "useful" and comfortable, with an emphasis on consent and feedback.
Each session is tailored individually to your specific issues, needs and comfort.Who is it for?
Anyone can have a vocal massage. It is particularly useful for people who use their voices in a demanding way
such as singers, actors, presenters, podcasters, teachers, public speakers and regular voice users who are suffering with or recovering from any kind of voice, jaw or throat related issue.What are the benefits or vocal massage and what can it help with?
For a high demand voice user regular vocal massage can work in the same way that sports massage
might work for an athlete. Here are just some of the examples of things vocal massage can help with:Vocal fatigue or discomfort
Voice loss or hoarseness
Loss of vocal range or ease
Freeing up the voice
Muscle Tension Dysphonia
TMJD
Difficulties swallowings/feeling of lump in the throat (Globus)
tension in the tongue/jaw
teeth grinding
headaches
Reflux/GERD
WhiplashWill it hurt?
As mentioned earlier, this type of manual therapy aims to be pain free, rather than the "no pain, no gain" approach! I will regularly check in with you about what feels comfortable and we will work together to find levels of contact, pressure and movement that feel useful and beneficial.What do I wear?
You can stay fully clothed for a vocal massage. It is useful if you don't wear anything that covers
the neck area (no rollnecks!) and to remove any neck jewellery. Hair doesn't need to be tied back. No oil
or lotion is used as many moves require good contact or grip, so you won't be left with any residue or
your skin or hair.Can I sing / speak straight after a vocal massage?
Yes! You can go straight back to your regular activities and usual voice use after a vocal massage.How often can I / should I have a vocal massage?
There is no limit on how often you can have vocal massage.
Vocal massage can be beneficial as a one off, as a number of sessions to address a particular
problem, or as a regular therapeutic maintenance tool.
If you're a professional voice user, you could consider having regular vocal massages
as part of your vocal health routine.Do you offer other voice services?
I do! I also coach and teach vocal health, voice technique, vocal performance etc. You can find
more information by clicking the home button and exploring the rest of my website.
I will always integrate vocal health, technique tips and vocal exercises into the massage sessions if relevant/required.What else can I do to take care of my voice and vocal health?
General good health really does impact your vocal health. Staying hydrated, rested, having a healthy
diet and regular exercise all contribute to good vocal health.
You can learn more on the vocal health section of my website.
If you're a vocalist then working with an experienced vocal coach who understands healthy
technique and voice production is also important.
If you have ongoing pain, symptoms or worries you should visit your GP who can refer you to ENT.
As our voices are complex instruments our day to day life situations, mental health and psychological/emotional health can also affect our voice use, so finding support in those areas can also be really beneficial.How do I book?
Use my online booking system. If you can't find a day or time that works for you please get in touch
via email and I will do my best to find a session time to accommodate.
Payment can be in cash on the day or via bank transfer (details will be given when you book)
I offer a reduced rate for people on low income/universal credit. Please get in touch to discuss before booking if this is relevant to you.What is your cancellation policy?
Like most services these days I operate a 24 hour cancellation policy, which means you can cancel up to
24 hours before your appointment without incurring a charge.
Any cancellations after this will be charged at the full rate.What are your voice related qualifications?
I trained at The Voice Care Centre (Stephen King) under the expert guidance of Robert Price.
I have completed the Estill complete Levels I & II and advanced.
I also have a degree in Music (performance), a Masters in Songwriting and a PGCE, which all
inform my work in their own way.Are you insured?
Yes!
I am fully insured to carry out manipulative therapy and massage with Westminster Insurance Ltd