Beginner’s guide to playing the ocarina

Embarking on the journey of playing the ocarina can be a truly enchanting experience. This unique, ancient wind instrument, famed for its soulful and ethereal tones, offers a wonderful entry point into the world of music. If you're curious about how to play the ocarina and looking for a clear path forward, this beginner’s guide to playing the ocarina is crafted just for you. We'll cover everything from choosing your first instrument to mastering fundamental techniques, helping you unlock the joy and potential healing benefits of this captivating flute, aligning with the Healing Sounds philosophy of intentional sound for relaxation and mindfulness.

Why Choose the Ocarina?

Many music enthusiasts exploring new instruments find the ocarina particularly appealing. One of its biggest draws is its relatively gentle learning curve. Compared to some instruments, you can start producing pleasant sounds quite quickly. Is the ocarina easy to learn? For many beginners, the answer is yes, especially with the right guidance and instrument.

The ocarina is also incredibly portable and accessible. Its compact size means you can practice almost anywhere, transforming idle moments into opportunities for musical expression and relaxation. The soothing sound profile lends itself well to mindful practice, making it more than just an instrument—it's a tool for calm.

Choosing Your First Ocarina: A Beginner's Checklist

Selecting the right ocarina is crucial for a positive learning experience. Don't feel overwhelmed by the options; let's break down the key factors to consider when asking, "What ocarina should I buy as a beginner?"

Ocarina Types: Transverse vs. Pendant

Ocarinas primarily come in two main styles: transverse and pendant. Transverse ocarinas are held horizontally with both hands, similar to a concert flute, and typically offer a wider pitch range. Pendant ocarinas are smaller, often worn on a necklace, and usually have fewer holes (4-6), making them seem simpler, though mastering their specific fingering system can have its own challenges. For a comprehensive learning experience, most beginners start with a transverse ocarina.

Material Matters: Ceramic vs. Plastic

Ocarinas are commonly made from ceramic (clay) or plastic. Ceramic ocarinas are prized for their resonant, rich tone and traditional feel. However, they are more fragile. Plastic ocarinas are highly durable, making them excellent choices for younger players or those concerned about accidental drops. High-quality plastic ocarinas can still produce a very good sound, perfect for starting with an ocarina.

What is the Best Key for a Beginner Ocarina?

Ocarinas come tuned to different musical keys. What is the best key for a beginner ocarina? The most common and highly recommended key for beginners is Alto C. Ocarinas in C major are versatile, and a vast amount of beginner sheet music and tutorials are readily available for this key. An Alto C ocarina produces mid-range tones that are pleasing and not too high-pitched.

How Many Holes? Starting Simple

While pendant ocarinas have fewer holes, the standard transverse ocarina for beginners is the 12-hole ocarina. This format provides a good balance between ease of learning and musical capability, offering a range of about an octave and a half, sufficient for playing a wide variety of melodies. Learning the fingerings on a 12-hole model builds a solid foundation.

How to Play the Ocarina for Beginners: Step-by-Step

Once you have your ocarina, it's time to start making music! Follow these fundamental steps on how to play ocarina for beginners.

Proper Holding Technique

Hold the ocarina gently but firmly with both hands. For a standard 12-hole transverse ocarina, your left hand covers the holes on the front left side, and your right hand covers the holes on the front right side and the sub-holes (if applicable). Your thumbs cover the holes on the underside. Ensure your grip doesn't cover the voicing or sound hole at the end.

Mastering Breath Control

Consistent and controlled breath is the heart of the ocarina's sound. Practice breathing deeply from your diaphragm, not shallowly from your chest. Aim for a steady, gentle stream of air. Blowing too hard will make the pitch sharp and possibly squeaky; blowing too softly will make it flat and weak. Experiment to find the right pressure for a clear, stable tone. For more tips on this, explore techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, often used by singers and wind instrument players.

Basic Fingering Techniques

Start by learning the fingerings for the lowest note (usually C on an Alto C ocarina), which typically involves covering all the main finger holes. Then, practice lifting fingers one by one according to a fingering chart (often included with your ocarina or easily found online). Focus on covering the holes completely with the pads of your fingers to avoid air leaks, which can distort the sound. Practice scales slowly to build muscle memory.

Producing Your First Clear Notes

Combine breath control and fingering. Start with the lowest note, take a diaphragmatic breath, and blow gently and steadily into the mouthpiece. Listen carefully to the pitch. Adjust your breath pressure until the note sounds clear and in tune (using an electronic tuner can help initially). Practice transitioning smoothly between adjacent notes, coordinating your breath and finger movements.

Reading Ocarina Music: Tabs vs. Sheet Music

To play songs, you'll need to learn how to read music notation specific to the ocarina. Two common forms exist:

Understanding Ocarina Tablature

Ocarina tablature (or tabs) is a visual representation of the ocarina's finger holes. It shows which holes to cover (often depicted as filled circles) and which to leave open (empty circles) for each note. Tabs are very beginner-friendly and allow you to start playing melodies quickly without needing traditional music reading skills.

Introduction to Standard Music Notation (Optional)

While tabs are great for starting, learning standard music notation (notes on a staff) opens up a much wider world of music. Many ocarina resources use standard notation alongside tabs. Understanding basic music theory concepts like notes, rhythm, and scales will significantly enhance your musical journey.

Caring for Your Ocarina

Proper care ensures your ocarina remains a beautiful sounding instrument for years to come.

Cleaning Your Instrument

After playing, condensation can build up inside. Gently wipe the exterior with a soft cloth. For the inside, you can periodically use a soft, absorbent cloth on a cleaning rod (if appropriate for your ocarina's design) or simply allow it to air dry thoroughly before storing. Avoid harsh chemicals.

How Should I Store My Ocarina to Prevent Damage?

How should I store my ocarina to prevent damage? Always store your ocarina in a protective pouch or case when not in use. This shields it from dust, scratches, and impacts, especially crucial for fragile ceramic ocarinas. Keep it in a place with stable temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight.

The Ocarina and Mindful Practice

At Healing Sounds, we believe in the power of sound to soothe and center the mind. Playing the ocarina can be a deeply meditative act. Focusing on your breath, the feel of the instrument, and the pure tones you create can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm presence. Incorporate mindful listening into your practice, paying attention to the subtle nuances of each note and how the music affects your emotional state. Let the ocarina be your partner in moments of tranquility.

Conclusion

This beginner’s guide to playing the ocarina has walked you through the essential steps to start your musical adventure. From choosing the right Alto C ocarina to mastering basic techniques like breath control and fingering, you now have a roadmap. Remember that consistency and patience are key. Embrace the learning process, enjoy the beautiful sounds you create, and explore the mindful practice possibilities.

Ready to begin? Explore our collection of high-quality ocarinas at Healing Sounds, crafted to support your journey into music and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Playing the Ocarina

How to play ocarina for beginners?

Start by choosing a beginner-friendly ocarina (like a 12-hole Alto C), learn the proper holding technique, practice diaphragmatic breath control for a steady tone, and begin learning basic fingerings using a chart, starting with the lowest notes and practicing scales slowly.

Is the ocarina easy to learn?

Many beginners find the ocarina relatively easy to start compared to other instruments. Basic notes and simple melodies can be learned quickly with practice. Mastering advanced techniques and achieving perfect intonation takes dedication, but the initial learning curve is generally considered gentle.

What ocarina should I buy as a beginner?

A 12-hole transverse ocarina tuned to Alto C is highly recommended for beginners. It offers a good balance of range and ease of learning, and most tutorials and songbooks are available for this type. Consider a durable plastic or an affordable ceramic model to start.

What is the best key for a beginner ocarina?

The key of C Major, specifically Alto C, is generally considered the best for beginners. It's a common key with plenty of learning resources available, and the pitch range is comfortable and pleasing.

How should I store my ocarina to prevent damage?

Always store your ocarina in its protective pouch or case when not in use. Keep it in a stable environment away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight to prevent cracking (especially for ceramic) or warping.