Known for its hauntingly beautiful tunes, the vessel-shaped flute has captivated audiences for years. However, polishing your skills or becoming an adept ocarina player requires a concoction of passion, practice, and understanding of the technique.

Are you interested in learning how to become a great ocarina player? Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, investing time to improve your talents will result in a fulfilling musical journey. So, let’s tune in to set the tone for making a lasting impression through ocarina.

Steps To Become a Great Ocarina Player

Find Somewhere Safe To Play

• Learning ocarina requires a safe and peaceful environment.
• Expertise comes with practice. However, repeating the same phrase can be tiresome, so choose a safe place to play without interruptions.
• To maximize your playing opportunities, look for a nearby park, field, or university with practice areas.
• You can also play when no one else is around, or consider using noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions.

Stick with One Ocarina

• Different ocarinas require different techniques. For example, double or triple chambers offer a versatile range for playing various music styles, while single chambers can also be highly adaptable.
• Mastering an ocarina takes time, particularly when adjusting your finger positioning and air control. Frequently switching between ocarinas can disrupt this process, hindering your ability to command the instrument effectively. So, prefer using one ocarina.
• Sticking with one ocarina also allows you to develop muscle memory, enabling you to play music without considering how you interact with the instrument.

Learn the Basics

Following are the basic steps to help you learn how to become a great ocarina player.

How to Hold an Ocarina:

• Hold the ocarina with your hands facing opposite directions, finger pads covering the finger holes.
• Place each finger on its designated hole, including both thumbs.
• Leave the third hole uncovered; this is essential for producing sound.
• Maintain a gentle curve in your fingertips, holding the instrument loosely.
• Avoid bending your thumbs backward into a “hitchhiker’s thumb” position; keep them straight to support the instrument and play high notes.

How to Blow an Ocarina:

• Blow air into the mouthpiece, which projects from the instrument.
• Create a small opening between your lips and gently rest the mouthpiece on them.
• Ensure the mouthpiece does not touch your teeth to prevent damage.
• Blow steadily to produce a clear, smooth sound.

Master the Fundamentals

• Mastering the breath curve is essential for playing the ocarina effectively, as it requires controlling your breath pressure to produce the correct sound.
• To achieve a wide range of sounds, label and memorize the holes so you can quickly recall which combinations create specific notes.
• Begin by learning basic scales and memorizing the corresponding finger patterns to create smooth note progressions.

Develop Your Skills

Developing your skills is an essential part of how to become a great ocarina player.

• Learning to read sheet music and ‘play by ear’ is invaluable for improving communication with other musicians and directly learning from performances.
• Enhance your musical abilities by studying music theory, mastering the notes on your instrument, developing musicality, and actively listening to a variety of music.
• Focus on moving smoothly up and down scales and gradually increasing your speed, as these skills will enhance your overall enjoyment and proficiency with the music you play.

Listen To Talented Musicians

• Listening to talented musicians and learning from their techniques is a powerful way to master the ocarina.
• Studying their compositions provides a deeper understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony.
• Listen to renowned ocarina artists such as Michael Copley, David Erick Ramos, and Cris Gale to up-skill your technique.

Improve Your Performance

Regular Practice:

• In the process of how to become a great ocarina player, consistent practice is the key. Short 5 to 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day can be more effective than longer, infrequent practice.
• Daily practice, even for 5 minutes, promotes steady progress and helps establish a routine that is easier to maintain over time.

Record Yourself:

• Recording yourself while playing allows you to focus on the music and identify any mistakes.
• Reviewing these recordings helps you make informed decisions and refine your overall performance.

Perform and Share Your Music

• Sharing your music on various platforms helps build relationships with promoters and expand your audience.
• Use local radio, TV channels, and YouTube to keep your audience updated on your latest work.
• Promote your mixes on popular platforms like Spotify, Google Play, Mixcloud, and SoundCloud to reach a wider audience.