Are you a fan of singing? At Wonderopolis, we sing all the time! Would you like to give it a try? Alright, let’s begin with a high note. Now, let’s attempt a low note. Fantastic! Now for the real challenge. Try singing the high note and the low note simultaneously.

That’s difficult, isn’t it? Some might think that singing two notes at the same time requires extraordinary abilities. However, Tuvan throat singers have been doing it for many years!

What exactly is Tuvan throat singing? It’s a type of singing where the vocalist produces more than one note at a time. The songs often consist of a low, constant note with additional higher notes to create harmony.

How is this possible? When we sing, multiple notes blend together to produce sound. Since they blend, we are unable to hear the individual notes. To make different notes audible, throat singers emphasize certain notes over others. They achieve this by utilizing parts of the larynx.

Do you know where your larynx is located? That’s right, it’s in your throat! The larynx is composed of two vocal folds. The speed of vibration in these vocal folds determines the pitch of the sound when you sing. Tuvan throat singers manipulate these vocal folds to amplify certain pitches.

What kind of music is prevalent in your culture? In America, both hip hop and country music have strong cultural ties. Similarly, throat singing is an integral part of Tuvan culture. It is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Tuva is a region in Russia situated between Siberia and Mongolia. It boasts high mountains, fast-flowing streams, and diverse wildlife. The Tuvan people have lived as herders and hunters for many generations. Today, Tuva is primarily agricultural, but its mining and timber industries have also grown.

Throat singing originated because the Tuvans wanted to imitate nature. They start training in childhood to mimic birdsong, whistling wind, and roaring streams. They utilize circular breathing to sustain the notes for extended periods of time. The Tuvans refer to this practice as “Khöömei,” and it holds great significance in their culture.

While Tuvan throat singing is most well-known as a Tuvan practice, it is also present in other cultures. The Inuits, indigenous people of northern Canada, also engage in throat singing. The Xhosa people in southeast South Africa practice it as well.

Tuvan throat singing may have ancient origins, but it is still very much alive today. Children begin learning throat singing at a young age and continue practicing it throughout their lives. Tuvan throat singing groups even travel to share their music with other parts of the world. Popular groups include the Alash Ensemble, Tyva Kyzy, Yat-Kha, and Huun-Huur-Tu.

Are you interested in learning throat singing? What sounds would you like to imitate? Perhaps you would enjoy other forms of folk singing, such as yodeling! Warm up your vocal cords and dive into any style of singing that brings you joy.

Give It a Try

Find a friend or family member to assist you with these activities!

Exploring the Larynx and Tuva

• Interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how individuals produce different pitches while singing? Take a moment to read about the larynx. Afterwards, try explaining to a friend or family member how the larynx functions.
• Doesn’t Tuva sound like a fascinating place? Expand your knowledge about Tuva and then compose a paragraph describing what you have learned about this region. What aspects of Tuva captivate you? What sets it apart from other locations?
• Tuvan throat singing is an extraordinary music style! Would you like to learn how to do it yourself? Give it a shot with this tutorial! Discuss with a friend or family member the challenges of throat singing. Collaborate to enhance your skills.

Valuable Sources

• https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/the-science-of-tuvan-throat-singing/ (accessed 06 Mar., 2019)
• https://folkways.si.edu/throat-singing-unique-vocalization-three-cultures/world/music/article/smithsonian (accessed 06 Mar., 2019)
• https://www.britannica.com/art/throat-singing (accessed 06 Mar., 2019)