Choduraa Tumat is Tuvan. Hailing from the Republic of Tuva, a small enclave at the foothills of the Sayan Mountains in southern Siberia, Choduraa is internationally recognized as the first female performer of throat singing, a technique known as khöömeï. Since this vocal technique is traditionally associated with men, she secretly learned to sing it. Thirty years ago, she founded Tyva Kyzy - literally translating to "Daughters of Tuva" - the first all-female throat singing ensemble. Today, Choduraa Tumat divides her time between touring the world and teaching at the conservatory in Kyzyl. Tuvan throat singing draws inspiration from the sounds of nature: the rolling of pebbles in the river, the wind rustling through the grass on the steppe. The melodies Choduraa performs belong to a Turkic-speaking nomadic people proud of preserving their traditions and music.