How to play the Ocarina

What is an Ocarina?

An ocarina is a small, handheld wind instrument that produces a unique, flute-like sound. It is an easy instrument to learn and can be a lot of fun to play. In this tutorial, we will go through some simple and easy steps to help you get started playing the ocarina.

Choose your Ocarina

The first step to playing an ocarina is to choose the right instrument for you. Ocarinas come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. The most common ocarinas are made of ceramic or clay, but you can also find ocarinas made of wood, plastic, and metal. You should choose an ocarina that feels comfortable in your hands and produces a sound you enjoy.

Hold the Ocarina

Once you have chosen your ocarina, you need to hold it correctly. Hold the ocarina in your left hand, with your fingers covering the holes on the front of the instrument. Your right hand will be used to support the bottom of the ocarina and to help stabilize it.

Learn the Basic Fingerings

To produce different notes on the ocarina, you need to cover different combinations of holes with your fingers. The standard ocarina has four or six finger holes on the front, and one or two thumb holes on the back. Each hole corresponds to a different note in the scale. To start, you should learn the basic fingerings for the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.

Practice Playing Scales

Once you have learned the basic fingerings, you should practice playing scales. A scale is a series of notes played in sequence, either ascending or descending. You can start with a simple scale, such as the C Major scale, and practice playing it slowly and evenly.

Try Playing Simple Songs

Once you have mastered playing scales, you can try playing simple songs. Look for sheet music or tablature for ocarina online or in music stores. Start with easy songs, such as nursery rhymes or folk songs. Practice playing the melody slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Experiment with Different Techniques

As you become more comfortable playing the ocarina, you can start experimenting with different techniques. You can try vibrato, which is a slight variation in pitch, or staccato, which is a short, sharp sound. You can also try playing with different dynamics, such as playing louder or softer.

Practice Regularly

The key to becoming proficient at playing the ocarina is to practice regularly. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice playing scales, songs, or techniques. Over time, you will improve your skills and be able to play more complex music.

Conclusion

Playing the ocarina is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these simple and easy steps, you can start playing the ocarina and learn to create beautiful music.

If you're ready to take the next step, we invite you to browse our selection of ocarinas. Our 12-Hole Blue Ocarina is perfect for those who are just starting out and want a high-quality instrument to learn and grow with. With its beautiful sound and comfortable design, it's sure to be a wonderful addition to your musical journey.

Happy playing!