Learn The Ocarina 8: How To Play A Double Chamber Ocarina

by STL Ocarina

 

If you’ve been playing a single chamber ocarina for a while and feel comfortable with your fingerings, tone, and basic technique, you may be ready to explore the double chamber ocarina. Double ocarinas open up a wider musical range and make it possible to play melodies that go beyond the limits of a standard single chamber instrument.

This guide is part of the Learn the Ocarina series and is best approached after you’re comfortable with the fundamentals covered in earlier lessons. The demonstrations here use a purple clay double chamber ocarina in the key of C.

Single Chamber vs. Double Chamber Ocarina: What’s the Difference?

A standard single chamber ocarina in the key of C typically has a range from low A to high F. A double chamber ocarina in the key of C extends that range all the way up to high C, giving you significantly more musical flexibility.

That extended range allows you to:

  • Play more advanced arrangements

  • Perform melodies that exceed one octave

  • Tackle pieces originally written for instruments with wider ranges

Because the double chamber ocarina is more complex, it’s generally best to start with a single chamber ocarina and move to a double only after you’re confident with breath control, fingerings, and basic musicianship.

Understanding the Two Chambers

A double chamber ocarina has two separate air holes (windways)—one for each chamber:

  • Left chamber: lower notes

  • Right chamber: higher notes

Only one chamber should be used at a time. If air goes into both chambers simultaneously, the sound can become unstable or screechy. Clean tone comes from directing your breath into one chamber at a time.

Hand Position and Thumb Placement

Unlike the single chamber ocarina, the double chamber typically uses:

  • One thumb hole (left thumb only)

  • The right thumb is not used for covering holes

On the front, you’ll notice two sets of finger holes:

  • The lower set controls the lower chamber

  • The upper set controls the higher chamber

Each chamber functions almost like its own small ocarina.

Playing the Lower Chamber

The lower chamber plays notes from low A up to high D. The fingerings will feel familiar if you already play a single chamber ocarina. Sharps and flats are fingered the same way as on a single chamber instrument.

This chamber covers most of your lower and middle register notes and feels very natural to transition into.

Playing the Upper Chamber (High Notes)

The upper chamber handles the higher register, extending your range beyond what a single chamber can reach.

Key high notes include:

  • High E

  • High F

  • High G

  • High A

  • High B

  • High C

These notes are played using the upper set of finger holes, while the left hand is mostly used for stability rather than covering holes.

Practicing Chamber Transitions

One of the most important skills with a double chamber ocarina is learning to switch chambers smoothly. A great practice exercise is playing a two-octave C major scale, starting in the lower chamber and transitioning into the upper chamber.

This helps you:

  • Build muscle memory

  • Develop clean chamber transitions

  • Maintain consistent tone across registers

Practice slowly at first, focusing on smooth airflow and precise finger placement.

Common Beginner Mistakes with Double Ocarinas

  • Starting too early: Beginners often feel frustrated if they jump into a double chamber before mastering the basics.

  • Blowing into both chambers: This causes unstable or screechy sounds.

  • Ignoring breath control: High notes on the second chamber require refined air support.

Mastery of the single chamber ocarina makes the transition to double chamber far smoother and more enjoyable.

What Can You Play on a Double Chamber Ocarina?

Many video game themes and advanced arrangements use notes that exceed the range of a single chamber ocarina. With a double chamber, you can comfortably play:

  • Extended melodies

  • Two-octave scales

  • More faithful arrangements of game and film music

This opens the door to more expressive and technically demanding repertoire.

Final Thoughts

The double chamber ocarina is an exciting step forward for players who want to expand their musical range. While it’s more advanced, the learning curve is manageable once your fundamentals are solid. With patience and consistent practice, you’ll gain access to a much broader musical world on the ocarina.

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