The Whistle Register
The whistle register is the highest register in a human's voice. It's also called super head voice, flute register and flageolet register. The sound produced in this register usually sounds like a flute. It's not used often in opera and pop music, however, interest has increased due to commercial artists using this register. The
most famous pop artist who frequently uses this register in her music is Mariah Carey. She reached F7 in a live performance of her hit single "Emotions". Usage of the whistle
register is mostly for decorative purposes. Another famous "whistle register user" is Yma Sumac. In several recordings she imitates bird sounds quite authentically.


Whistle Register in opera
Some of the Bel Canto operas require notes that
are considered to belong to the Whistle Register. Coloratura Sopranos are the only ones using this range. The most famous opera requiring such high notes is Queen of the Night aria in Die Zauberflöte.


How it works
There is still not much known about this ultra high register, some even say it's merely the top of the head voice and shouldn't have it's own name. What we do know is that it starts somewhere around an E6. It is possible
to produce lower notes through the whistle register. It is believed to start below the E6 in males, and around that tone in females. Your regular range and voice type can also influence where exactly it starts. It's not a register that you can just access without any practice. It's also
not known whether everyone possesses this register.

If you have not "found" your whistle register yet you can try doing some exercises in your top range. The first few sounds coming from this register will probably sound like a small squeak. The sound is light and not strong. It may take several years before you are able to effectively control your whistle register. Please note
that you will need to be careful not to strain and/or damage your voice with incorrect exercises. Do not exercise the top range for more than a few minutes per day. If you are feeling strain than stop immediately. A good voice teacher may be able to tell you more
about finding and training your top range. It's
not worth damaging your voice just to find a
few extra notes that you may never use.