Two vocal sounds happening simultaneously are commonly thought of as being
produced by two people. In Western music, when a singer produces more than one tone
simultaneously, it is considered a vocal attrition called diplophonia. In some cultures of
Non-Western and tribal music, diplophonia is known as ‘throat-singing’ and it is
practiced and celebrated. Diplophonia, also known as throat-singing, is defined as the
bowing of the vocal folds, creating two or more distinct sounds simultaneously
(Vartanian). In both Western and Non-Western music, the voice can be used with
auxiliary functions. These sounds can include belting, grinding, and certain techniques
such as a ‘twangy’ nasal style, all in Western singing. In Non-Western singing, these
vocal functions can include clicks, whistles, and various forms of throat-singing. The
voice is quite flexible, and the author believes that diplophonia should be valued and
celebrated.

To follow is a survey of several auxiliary vocal styles, specifically that of throat-
singing, from different cultures around the world. Also included is a unit plan with

lessons on the topic of different world regions and their developed auxiliary vocal
sounds, directed to an eighth grade level.