Welcome to the first ever throat singing course at Trevarefabrikken. In this course, our special guest and teacher Sauli Heikkilä takes us through the wonderful world of Tuvan and Mongolian throat singing with guidance, explanations and demonstrations.

Sauli Heikkilä (b. 1959) is a graphic designer and journalist, currently serving as the editor of the folk music magazine ‘Kansanmusiikki’ since 2013. In the 1990s, as a designer for the Haapavesi Folk Festival, Sauli engaged himself in music courses, including a throat singing (khoomei) workshop in 1995 led by Boris Shaltchak. This experience inspired him to co-found the Finnish Throat Singing Society, which has since brought numerous teachers and performers to Finland and organized several festivals.

Sauli began teaching khoomei seriously about 20 years ago. Over the years, he has conducted hundreds of workshops across Finland, reaching a diverse array of students. His deep connection to throat singing has taken him on multiple trips to Tuva, with his first visit in 2001 and his most recent journey in 2018 to the Republic of Altai, Western Mongolia, Khakassia, and Tuva. In 2015, he served as a jury member at the first international khoomei competition in Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia, China. His book, ‘Kiehtova kurkkulaulu: Fascinating Throat Singing’, was published by Aviador in 2018.

Sauli continues to conduct a few workshops annually and provides private lessons. His workshops begin with the fundamentals of sound production, the cultural background of throat singing, and an introduction to overtones. The primary focus, however, is on singing practice, helping participants understand how throat singing works, including techniques to use and avoid. Sauli guarantees that by the end of the workshop, everyone will be able to filter and hear overtones, and most will be able to produce some khoomei sounds. The level of proficiency depends on individual physical abilities and dedication to practice, as mastering throat singing requires time and muscle memory development.

In his courses, Sauli focuses on Tuvan khoomei styles such as khoomei, kargyraa, and a bit of sygyt. These styles are closely related to Mongolian and other throat singing traditions, making his workshops suitable regardless of a student’s specific interests. Although some may view throat singing as a spiritual practice, shamanism and meditation do not play a role in his workshops.

Sauli’s workshops are open to everyone, attracting a wide range of participants from professional rock and opera singers to gardeners who were told in elementary school that they couldn’t sing.

When: Friday 9th of August from 16.00 (duration approx 3-4hours)
Where: 3rd floor Trandamperiet (yoga room)
Price: 600,-
Capacity: 10 pax

Tickets via tikkio.no