LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE OCARINA

Mastering the basics of the ocarina is quite simple:

• Producing notes involves blowing into the ocarina.
• Altering which holes are covered changes the note produced.
• Playing the correct sequence of notes allows you to perform your favorite tunes! When starting out, it’s crucial to find a place where you can practice without hesitation or embarrassment. Experimentation is key to avoiding the development of poor techniques.

If your living situation (like in an apartment or dorm) makes practicing difficult, consider:

• A secluded park or field nearby.
• Music practice rooms available at many colleges and universities, especially if you’re a student.
• Playing at home during times when it’s empty. Remember, the acoustics of your practice space affect the ocarina’s sound. Its volume can become overwhelming in smaller rooms compared to larger, open areas.

Holding the Ocarina Correctly Proper grip is essential for playing the ocarina:

• Approach the instrument from both sides with your hands.
• Keep your arms close to your body and stand up straight.
• Adopt a good posture, looking straight ahead but slightly to the left, with the ocarina elevated. Fingers should be relaxed and slightly curved, keeping your wrists straight. Cover the holes with the pads of your fingers, with one hole per finger and thumb. The ocarina has a unique third hole on the bottom, the voicing, which remains uncovered as it’s where the sound is produced.

Ensuring proper coverage of the holes with your finger pads is critical for accurate tuning.

Aim for a relaxed hold on the instrument, varying the tightness to feel its stability and ease of finger movement. Avoid bending your thumbs backward, as it can disrupt proper support and note playing.

Blowing Techniques Playing begins with blowing into the mouthpiece:

• Avoid inserting too much of the mouthpiece into your mouth; a slight contact with your lips is sufficient.
• Practice steady blowing. If the sound is off, adjust your blowing strength. Try breath control exercises to improve your technique:

1. Practice diaphragmatic breathing.
2. Experiment with different blowing pressures and observe the effects on the sound.

Understanding the Breath Curve Experiment with varying breath pressures to find the correct pitch for each note, acknowledging that higher notes require more force, a concept known as the “breath curve.”

Playing Music on the Ocarina Begin playing music by mastering the correct fingerings and breath pressures:

• Choose familiar tunes to start with, such as “Hot Cross Buns.”
• Pay attention to articulation and phrasing for musicality.
• Practice proper breath control and phrasing to enhance your performance.

Troubleshooting Sound Issues Ensure correct finger placement and breath control if you encounter issues with sound quality. Practice diaphragmatic breathing for more controlled and powerful sound production.

Remember, mastering the ocarina takes time and patience, but progress comes with practice.