Can i whistle

The big challenge in learning how to whistle is that all the action is happening inside in your mouth. Consequently, the only way to really get better at it is by figuring it out yourself. That might sound daunting, but I did it by initially making a quiet, halfway-whistling sound and noting how my lips, tongue, and breath felt when I did so. Over the course of a few weeks, I practiced making that sound over and over, trying to replicate the exact mouth position and noting what I had to do to make it sound clearer.

Once you get it, the feeling of producing a good whistle is very distinctive, and it's easy to return to it and improve on it. By doing consciously working on it, I eventually made the sound I could produce much clearer. I'd gone from a non-whistler to a whistler — though certainly not an expert like Ullman. Ullman — who's performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, on the court at NBA games, and in the Oval Office — treats his whistling much like an opera singer treats her voice.

Ultimately, he says, it's not all that different from proficiency with another musical instrument: It takes a lot of hard work. Maintaining the proper pucker position can tire out the lip muscles, so he keeps them in good shape by whistling for long periods of time.

Getting lots of practice at switching between different notes — by flexing and altering the position of the tongue — is also essential. He develops this ability by trying out new songs, stretching his range. But he also has a few specific rules that he follows to maximize each performance.

He brushes his teeth before professionally whistling, in order to clear out any possible debris that might interfere with a clear noise. He also drinks ice water right before performing, in order to constrict his lip tissue, so it provides a smooth surface for air to flow over. Finally, he has one particularly unusual habit aimed at keeping his lips as firm as possible.

I'm in 6th grade, almost done and I'm loving it! I like your wonders, your 88 away from your th wonder! Also I love your website. A fun way to learn is what I think! You all must love the concept of wondering! Annie Apr 8, I whistle so much!

I enjoyed this wonder wonderopolis!!! I think tomorrow's wonder of the day is about dinosaur fossils. Cassidy Apr 8, I can't whistle but I'm going to keep trying. I can't wait to find out what tommorow's Wonder is! Alexandra Apr 8, Sofie Apr 8, I've tried to whistle before, but I can't. Zitar's Class Apr 8, Whistling is really awesome to do! Our guess for tomorrow's wonder is how are fossils made? Miss Fleenor Apr 8, We did not know that both your tongue and lungs help you to whistle.

Krysten We already know that many people can make music from whistling. Emma Anyone can whistle Cameron We know that it takes lots of practice, because some of us still are not able to whistle. Neleh We learned that a whistle is a high, shrill tone. Malkam Some whistles are with our fingers, and some are not. Deanna Allison Apr 8, How can I print out a specific wonder and the accompanying activities?

W's Readers Apr 8, We are wondering who invented whistling and when it was first recorded? What is the age most kids learn to whistle? Is there a record of the loudest or the longest whistle?

How do you whistle with your fingers in your mouth? I loved this wonder it helped so much now I know how to whistle even better! Can't wait til the next wonder. Berkleigh Apr 8, This was a cool wonder! I have tried to whistle, but I can't.

And yes, like Blakeleigh said, our brother can whistle, and he sounds like some kind of bird when he does it. And our older sister can, too. Thank you for today's wonder!

Devan Apr 8, Thanks so much, Devan, we're glad this Wonder made you smile! That's still a whistling talent, Tanner! Nice work! Apr 8, Yes It's going to be Fossils Or Trex!!! Anyway See Ya!!! G's Class Apr 8, Hey Wonderopolis! We want to learn how to whistle with our fingers especially our teacher. We think we know what tomorrow's wonder of the day will be We think it will be interesting.

I can't whistle. But my brother can. He sounds like a bird and if he whistles like that he can make birds talk to him. Moira Apr 8, I know how to whistle but not with my fingers but I have to admit it is easier sucking in air. Tompkins' Class Apr 8, Many of us can whistle blowing out, but few of us can whistle sucking air in. We think tomorrow's Wondering will be about fossils, dinosaurs, bones, or skeletons. Natalia Apr 8, I can't whistle but soon I must be able to whistle! And the video is not bad.

Froggy 1 Apr 8, Hi Wonderopolis! We learned that you can whistle in or out. How do you think of the things for wonder of the day? We predict tomorrow's wonder will be about a fossil, a bone, a dinosaur, or a skeleton.

Claudia Apr 8, How do you whistle with two fingers in your mouth? Whistling can be done in many ways. It is just like learning to play an instrument; you have to practice. Thomas' Class Apr 8, Kylie wondered if it would be harder to whistle as you get older because you need to make a small opening and as you get older, your mouth gets bigger and it would be harder to make a small opening.

Gabryel wonders if it is harder to whistle with your fingers in your mouth. Isabela didn't know that you could whistle by sucking in air. Hess' Class Apr 8, Thoughts: I am very familiar with what these people used to make the video. I use it every day. Duyen I would really like to be able to finsh the song. Joe Connections: This reminds me of the muppets movie where the characters whistled in the end just like the article we read. Cristian This reminds me of Flo-Rida because the music video used his song.

Pedro Predictions: What is a fossil? Maria Do you know how fossils are made? Shalize Is Medusa a myth? Duyen Have you ever discovered dinosaur bones? Gabrielle How do you wrap mummies? Briahna Can you turn Egypitan emperors into stone? Learn more Whistling can be as simple as , but it can take a few tries before you produce a sound.

To whistle, start by saying the word "two" and holding your lips in that position. Then, place your tongue against your bottom teeth. When you blow out, you should hear a sound! It can take a few tries to get it right, so if you aren't making any noise at first, don't worry!

Try gently changing the shape of your lips and tongue until you can hear something. You can also try wetting your lips, which sometimes helps. Then, once you've gotten the first note down, change the position of your tongue to create different notes. Did this summary help you?

Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great.

By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1.

Pucker your lips. Pretend like you're about to give a kiss, and make your lips into a puckered shape. The opening in your lips should be small and circular. Another way to get your lips in the right position is to say the word "two.

Instead, they should be stretched slightly forward. If your lips are quite dry, lick them before you begin whistling. This may help improve the sound you produce. Curl your tongue slightly. Curl the edges of your tongue slightly upward. As you begin whistling, you'll change the shape of your tongue to produce different notes. Eventually, you should learn to move the shape of your tongue to form different tones.

Begin blowing air over your tongue and through your lips. Blow gently, slightly altering the shape of your lips and the curve of your tongue until you're able to produce a clear note. This may take a few minutes of practice, so don't give up too quickly.

It might take a while. You'll be able to whistle more loudly once you find the right form for your lips and tongue to take. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Option 1: Whistling through your lips. Option 2: Whistling with your fingers. Option 3: Whistling with your tongue. Option 4: Whistling by sucking in air. The bottom line. Read this next. The Stages of Phone Anxiety Do phone calls make your heart race faster than anything?