How to Play “Song of Storms” on the Ocarina (Zelda Tutorial)

Few melodies from The Legend of Zelda are as instantly recognizable as “Song of Storms.” Energetic, dramatic, and full of motion, this piece is a favorite among ocarina players and Zelda fans alike.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to play Song of Storms on the ocarina, step by step. The melody is taught in clear sections, and the second half of the song closely mirrors the first, making it easier to learn than it might initially sound.

This tutorial is demonstrated on the Zelda Tenor Ocarina from STL Ocarina.

Why “Song of Storms” Works So Well on the Ocarina

“Song of Storms” is rhythmically driving and melodically simple, which makes it especially satisfying on the ocarina. The repeated patterns help build finger coordination and breath control, while the lively tempo makes it a fun piece to perform once you’re comfortable.

For many players, this song is a milestone—one of the first fast, energetic Zelda melodies that feels truly exciting to play on the instrument.

Understanding the Structure of the Song

The song can be divided into two main halves:

• First Half: Introduces the core melody

• Second Half: Almost identical to the first, with a small variation at the end

This repetition allows you to focus on rhythm and consistency rather than memorizing entirely new material.

First Section: Establishing the Main Motif

The song begins with a repeating three-note figure:

Low D – F – High D

This opening phrase appears twice, establishing the driving character of the piece.

Next, the melody moves through a quick pattern built around E and F, where the motion primarily involves lifting and placing the pinky. This leads into a short closing phrase for the section: C – A

Once you’re comfortable with these elements, play the entire first section from beginning to end to hear how the phrases connect.

Second Section: Expanding the Melody

The second section builds on the momentum of the opening.

It begins with a rising line:
D – F – G – A

The section then resolves with:
A – D – F – G – E

This part adds shape and contour to the melody while maintaining the fast, swirling character that makes “Song of Storms” so distinctive.

After learning this section, return to the top and play both sections together to reinforce the structure of the piece.

The Second Half: A Familiar Return with a Twist

The second half of “Song of Storms” is almost identical to the first half, which makes it easier to learn. The key difference comes at the very end, where the melody changes slightly to provide a satisfying resolution.

This final variation ends with: A – D

Once you recognize where the change occurs, the rest of the song will feel familiar and much easier to memorize.

Playing the Full Song

After working through each section, play Song of Storms from beginning to end at a comfortable tempo. Once you feel confident, gradually increase speed while maintaining clarity and steady airflow.

There is also a play-along version available with full accompaniment, which can be a fun way to test your timing and musical flow once the notes feel natural.

Final Thoughts

Song of Storms is a fantastic piece for developing rhythmic confidence and finger agility on the ocarina. It’s energetic, memorable, and incredibly rewarding to perform.

If you have any questions about fingerings or technique, feel free to leave a comment. Sheet music for this song is available via the link in the description, and new ocarina videos are released every month.

Happy playing—and enjoy bringing the storm to life on your ocarina 🌧️🎶