khoomei

Khoomei is a term used for a family of traditional Tuvan throat singing techniques from the Tuva region of Siberia. In khoomei singing, the performer sustains a drone with the voice while shaping the vocal tract to emphasize higher frequency overtones, creating a melody that rides above the fundamental pitch. The result is a two-voice texture: a steady drone and a higher-pitched melodic line produced through overtone manipulation.

Originating among the Tuvan people, khoomei developed in a nomadic, pastoral landscape and has historical associations with shamanic and ceremonial practices. Today it is performed as a solo vocal art and in ensembles, and it has gained international audiences through world music performances and educational programs.

Technique involves careful control of breath and the vocal tract. Singers adjust tongue position, lip rounding, jaw openness, and mouth shape to select and amplify specific harmonics, often while articulating with a neutral or vowel-like vocalization. Performances can vary in timbre and dynamics, from intimate, quiet phrases to powerful, resonant displays. Training methods range from informal mentorship to structured lessons in conservatories and cultural programs.

Variants and related styles: Khoomei is sometimes used as an umbrella term for several related styles of Tuvan throat singing, including sygyt (high-pitched overtone singing), kargyraa (low, creaky-voiced singing), and borbangnadza (rolling overtones). Each style highlights different overtone patterns and vocal timbres within the broader practice of khoomei.

Notable practitioners and impact: In recent decades, performers and groups such as Kongar-ool Ondar and Huun-Huur-Tu have contributed to its international visibility. Khoomei remains a key cultural expression in Tuva and continues to influence contemporary world music and cross-cultural collaborations.