The ocarina, with its charming, flute-like sound, is a captivating instrument that's surprisingly easy to learn. Whether you're drawn to its whimsical melodies or the challenge of mastering a new skill, this guide will walk you through the basics of playing the ocarina.
What Kind of Ocarina Should I Get?
Choosing your first ocarina is an important step. There are many different sizes and types, each with its own tonal characteristics. For beginners, a 6-hole alto C ocarina is generally recommended. These are readily available, relatively inexpensive, and offer a good range for learning. Don't be tempted by overly cheap ocarinas, as their sound quality and durability might be compromised.
Holding the Ocarina Correctly
Proper posture and hand positioning are crucial for comfortable and effective playing. Hold the ocarina gently but firmly in your dominant hand, cupping it comfortably in your palm. Your fingers should rest lightly on the holes, ready to cover and uncover them precisely. Keep your posture upright to allow for easy breathing and efficient airflow.
Blowing into the Ocarina: Finding Your Breath
The way you blow into the ocarina significantly affects the sound. Avoid blowing too hard; a gentle, steady stream of air is key. Imagine you're gently blowing across the top of a bottle to produce a soft tone. Experiment with different mouth positions and air pressure until you find a consistent sound. Practice producing a clear, consistent tone without any wavering or rattling.
How Do I Produce Different Notes?
Different notes are produced by covering and uncovering the finger holes on the ocarina. Each hole corresponds to a specific note in the musical scale. Beginners' ocarinas often come with finger charts showing the fingering for each note. Practice covering the holes cleanly and accurately; even the slightest variation in finger placement can affect the pitch. Start with simple scales and melodies, gradually progressing to more complex pieces as your skill improves.
Reading Ocarina Tablature
Ocarina tablature, often called "tabs," provides a simplified way to read music for the ocarina. Instead of using traditional musical notation, tabs show you which holes to cover for each note. Learning to read ocarina tabs is a valuable skill that opens up a wider range of songs to play. Many free resources are available online to help you understand ocarina tablature.
What are Some Easy Ocarina Songs for Beginners?
Starting with simple songs is crucial for building confidence and skill. Many beginner-friendly songs, such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Hot Cross Buns," are available online with accompanying tabs. Practice these songs repeatedly to develop your finger coordination and breath control. Gradually increase the difficulty level as your skills improve.
How Do I Clean My Ocarina?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain your ocarina's sound quality and hygiene. After each playing session, gently wipe the inside and outside of your ocarina with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth, ensuring it's completely dry before putting your ocarina away. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the instrument.
How Long Does It Take to Learn to Play the Ocarina?
The time it takes to learn to play the ocarina varies greatly depending on your musical background, practice time, and learning style. With consistent practice, you can expect to play simple melodies within a few weeks. Mastering more complex pieces requires significantly more time and dedication. The key is regular, consistent practice.
Learning the ocarina is a rewarding journey. With patience, persistence, and regular practice, you'll soon be creating beautiful melodies. Enjoy the process and the beautiful music you'll create!
