Key Takeaway: Playing the ocarina is a fast-track to stress relief because it combines deep breathing with focused finger movements. For beginners in the USA, starting with a 12 hole ocarina is the best way to see immediate results without the frustration of complex music theory.
I’ve been a sound therapist for 20 years. Most people come to me because they are burnt out and looking for a way to start sound healing at home. They want something that works, and they want it now.
The truth is, you don't need a massive gong or expensive crystal bowls to find peace. A simple, high-quality ocarina is one of the most effective tools for calming your nervous system. Here is why it works and how to get started.
How the Ocarina Lowers Stress
When you play, you are essentially doing breathwork. To get clear ocarina notes, you have to control your airflow. This deep, diaphragmatic breathing sends a signal to your brain to stop the "fight or flight" response.
It’s also about focus. When you look at an ocarina fingering chart and try to play easy ocarina songs, your brain can't dwell on work stress or bills. You are forced to stay in the present moment.
Why the 12 Hole Ocarina is Best for Beginners
If you are new to this, don't waste time with 4-hole or 6-hole versions. They are often tuned poorly and sound like toys. A 12 hole ocarina gives you a full chromatic range, meaning you can play almost any ocarina music you hear on YouTube or in games like Zelda.
Learning how to play 12 hole ocarina is surprisingly simple. You can find ocarina tabs online that show you exactly where to put your fingers, so you don't even need to read traditional ocarina sheet music to start.
Choosing Your Instrument
Don't buy a plastic ocarina. The tone is thin and won't help you relax. You need a ceramic instrument that has "weight" to the sound. This resonance is what helps in sound therapy.
| Feature |
Beginner Model (Purple) |
Professional Model (Purple) |
| Difficulty |
Low (Very intuitive) |
Medium (Precise tuning) |
| Tone |
Warm and Mellow |
Masterful and Crisp |
| Best For |
Learning & Anxiety Relief |
Recording & Performance |
| Material |
Smoked Ceramic |
Premium Kiln-fired Ceramic |
Eidolove Recommendations
For Daily Stress Relief: Gradient Purple Ocarina (Alt C)
If you want to play 12 hole ocarina songs for beginners, I recommend the Eidolove 12-Hole Gradient Purple Ocarina (Standard). It is crafted for a serene and mellow tone that isn't too piercing, making it perfect for indoor practice and personal meditation.
For Serious Sound Healing: Masterful Design Purple Ocarina
For those who want to take their ocarina tutorial progress to the next level, the Professional Gradient Purple Ocarina is better. It features masterful sound and an elegant design with highly accurate tuning. This ensures that every note you play vibrates at the correct frequency for healing work.
Pro Tips for Your First Week
- Keep it short: Play for just 10 minutes a day. Consistency beats long practice sessions.
- Use a Chart: Keep your ocarina fingering chart on your phone for quick reference.
- Slow down: When learning how to play ocarina, play as slowly as possible. Speed comes later.
- Breath Control: If the notes sound "airy," you aren't blowing hard enough. If they sound sharp, you're blowing too hard.
Starting a musical journey as an adult is one of the kindest things you can do for your mental health. Grab an ocarina, find some easy ocarina songs for beginners, and let the sound do the work.
