How to Read Ocarina Sheet Music: Tabs, Numbers, and More - Buy Ocarinas Online

🎼 How to Read Ocarina Sheet Music: Tabs, Numbers, and More

Reading music is a key skill that opens up a world of songs and self-expression—and with the ocarina, there are several ways to get started. Whether you’re learning traditional sheet music, number notation, or ocarina tabs (tablature), this guide will help you understand how to read and play music confidently on your ocarina.

🧾 1. Ocarina Fingering Charts (Tabs)

Ocarina tablature shows you which holes to cover using visual diagrams of the ocarina’s finger holes.

Solid black = cover the hole
Empty/white = uncover the hole

Example for a 12-hole ocarina:

● ● ● ○ ○ ○   (Top row: left hand)
● ● ○ ○ ○ ○   (Bottom row: right hand)

You’ll often find these diagrams alongside lyrics or note letters. They’re perfect for beginners who want to play by sight without needing to learn traditional music notation.

🎵 Best for: Visual learners and beginners using 6- or 12-hole ocarinas.

🔢 2. Number Notation (Numeric System)

Also known as jianpu in Chinese music, number notation uses digits to represent notes:

1 = Do (C)
2 = Re (D)
3 = Mi (E)
… up to 7 = Ti (B)

Dots above or below numbers indicate octave changes:

⁵ = high octave
.3 = low octave

Example: 5 5 6 5 1. 7. might be part of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

🎵 Best for: Players from Asia or those comfortable with number-based systems.

🎶 3. Standard Sheet Music (Staff Notation)

This is the classic Western system with notes on a 5-line staff. It gives the most detail about rhythm, pitch, and expression.

If your ocarina is in C major:

You can play standard sheet music for soprano instruments (like flute or recorder).
Just match the notes with your fingering chart.

🎵 Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who want to expand into classical, pop, or orchestral music.

📝 4. Combining Methods

Many ocarina books and websites combine multiple systems:

Staff notation + tabs
Number notation + lyrics
Tabs + finger diagrams

💡 Tip: Find the method that works best for you—there’s no wrong way to learn!

📚 5. Where to Find Ocarina Sheet Music

Ocarina-specific websites (some offer free downloads)
YouTube tutorials (often include tabs on screen)
Songbooks included in ocarina starter kits
Communities on Reddit, Facebook, or Discord

✅ Conclusion

Whether you prefer reading numbers, finger diagrams, or classical sheet music, learning to read ocarina music will unlock new songs and creativity. Start with what feels natural, practice consistently, and soon you’ll be reading and playing with confidence.

The ocarina’s beauty lies in its simplicity—let the notes guide your breath, and your breath create the melody.