Whistle Tone

Physiology

1. The whistle register is the highest phonational register, sometimes referred to as “hyper” head voice. It begins above the soprano “high C” (C6) or  and usually extends to a major 9th above (D7). The frequency range is approximately 1050 – 2350 Hz.
2. The lower part of the whistle register may overlap the upper parts of the modal and falsetto registers. Because of this, singers can phonate the notes differently.
3. (Whistle): A clear, high-pitched sound made by forcing breath through a small hole between partly closed lips, or between one’s teeth. – Dictionary
4. “The false cord function becomes active when a singer goes to the high range and allows hardly any breath through the cords. There is such a squeeze at the vocal folds that the false cords (Tissue directly above the true folds.) employ resulting in a high-pitched squeaking sound. If false cord function is developed, it can take years of study to rehabilitate the upper range and sometimes the damage is permanent. The neurological message is so strong for the false cord function to come into play that the singer is faced with an involuntary function over which he or she has no control.” -David L. Jones

Music

In classical music, coloratura sopranos are the most commonly scored in this register. Pop singers, both male and female, also make use of this register.