Beginner's Lesson 1 for 6 Hole Ocarina

by STL Ocarina September 16, 2022

If you’re brand new to the ocarina, the 6-hole ocarina is one of the easiest and most approachable ways to begin your musical journey. In this beginner lesson, you’ll learn:

How to properly hold the 6-hole ocarina
Correct posture and hand position
Your first notes in the C major scale
A simple song (Mary Had a Little Lamb)
An introduction to articulation and airflow

With just a little daily practice, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can start making music on the ocarina.

How to Hold the 6-Hole Ocarina

Use the Neck Strap

Most 6-hole ocarinas come with a neck strap, and it’s a great idea to use it—especially when you’re just starting out. Ocarinas can be heavier than they look and can be tricky to balance at first. The strap helps protect your instrument from accidental drops.

Thumb and Finger Placement

Your left and right thumbs cover the two holes on the bottom of the ocarina.
Your index and middle fingers on each hand cover the top holes (three holes per side, for six total).
Your ring fingers can rest naturally for balance and comfort.

Make sure each hole is fully sealed. Even a small air leak can cause airy tone or incorrect pitch. If your thumbs are small and you’re struggling to seal the holes, you can temporarily use a small piece of tape during practice.

Proper Posture for Playing Ocarina

Good posture helps your tone and breathing:

Keep your head level
Stand or sit tall (avoid slouching)
Hold the ocarina straight in front of you
Keep the airway aligned with your mouth (no sharp angles up or down)

This position allows for steady airflow and consistent tone.

Your First Notes on the 6-Hole Ocarina (C, D, E, F)

Let’s learn the first four notes of the C major scale:

C – Cover all holes
D – Lift one finger
E – Switch to lifting a different finger
F – Lift two fingers (peace sign shape)

Practice moving between these notes slowly. Keep your fingers close to the holes so you can move quickly and accurately.

Your First Song: Mary Had a Little Lamb

With just these four notes, you can already play a full song. Mary Had a Little Lamb is a perfect beginner melody because it uses simple finger patterns.

Practice the song phrase by phrase:

Start on E
Move down to D, then C
Repeat patterns slowly until your fingers feel comfortable

A great practice tip is to finger along without blowing first. This builds muscle memory before you add airflow.

Articulation: How to Start Each Note Cleanly

On wind instruments, how you start a note is called articulation. For the ocarina, use the syllable “tu” (like saying the number “two”).

Try this:

Say “tu” out loud.
Whisper “tu.”
Then play a note on the ocarina while thinking “tu.”

This creates a clean, clear beginning to each note and prevents a breathy attack.

Airflow: Finding the “Just Right” Amount

Too little air and your note will sound weak. Too much air and the pitch will become unstable or harsh. The goal is a steady, controlled airstream.

A helpful image:

Blow gently, like cooling hot soup
Not too hard, not too soft—just right

Listen carefully to your sound and adjust until your tone becomes clear and focused.

Weekly Practice Assignment

For the coming week:

Practice C, D, E, and F
Play Mary Had a Little Lamb slowly
Focus on:
- Full hole coverage
- Clean articulation (“tu”)
- Steady airflow

Just a few minutes a day will help you build strong fundamentals quickly.

Final Thoughts

The 6-hole ocarina is a fantastic starting point for beginners of all ages. By learning proper hand position, posture, airflow, and articulation early on, you’ll set yourself up for smooth progress as you move on to more advanced techniques and songs.