What Is Overtone Singing?

> Detailed Workshop Information

> Anna-Maria Hefele

Overtone singing is a captivating vocal technique that creates the illusion of two notes being sung by just one person. The vocal sound consists of the fundamental tone and a series of overtones. By filtering and amplifying the natural harmonics in the sound through precise modulations of the tongue and vocal tract, a single overtone can be heard distinctly, resembling a flute above the fundamental frequency.

The western style of overtone singing doesn’t require larynx pressure. This enables the flexible use of overtone singing technique while also maintaining the capability to perform other singing styles. Furthermore, it allows for polyphonic overtone singing, expanding the musical possibilities of this vocal technique by altering both the harmonic scale and fundamental pitch at the same time.

Similar to a musical instrument, overtone singing can be used artistically. It can also serve as an educational tool for singers, choral conductors, and voice teachers. The ability to perceive and control vocal harmonics can result in improved audio perception of timbre and vowel color, as well as enhanced blending and intonation in vocal ensembles.