🎵 Key Takeaway
Beginners often "tongue" every single note ("Tu Tu Tu"), which makes the music sound robotic. To sound professional, you need to learn Legato (Slurs): keeping the airflow steady while moving your fingers.
Listen to a singer. Do they take a breath after every single word?
No. They sing a whole phrase in one breath.
Right now, you are probably playing like this: "Tu. Tu. Tu. Tu." (Staccato).
Today, I want to teach you how to play like this: "Dooooooo..." (Legato).
The "Garden Hose" Analogy
Imagine a garden hose with water flowing out.
- Tonguing (Staccato): You kink the hose to stop the water, then let it go. On/Off/On/Off.
- Slurring (Legato): The water flows steadily, but you wiggle the nozzle to change the shape. The flow never stops.
On the ocarina, your Breath is the water. Your Fingers are the nozzle.
Recommended for Smooth Play
To play fast, smooth legato passages, you need an ocarina with responsive ergonomics. The Ice Cracked Series features a unique glaze texture that allows your fingers to glide effortlessly between notes.
Shop Ice Cracked Ocarina →
Exercise: The "Smooth Slide"
We are going to play C -> D -> E in two different ways.
Method 1: The Robot (Tongued)
Say "Tu" for every note.
"Tu" (Low C) → Stop → "Tu" (Low D) → Stop → "Tu" (Low E)
Result: Bouncy, detached sound.
Method 2: The Singer (Slurred)
This is the new technique.
- Start blowing Low C with one "Tu".
- KEEP BLOWING. Do not stop the air. Do not use your tongue again.
- While the air is flowing, lift your Pinky (D).
- Keep blowing. Lift your Ring Finger (E).
"Tuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..."
(Move fingers smoothly while air flows)
Result: Smooth, connected sound.
When to use which?
- Use Tonguing (Tu): For fast, happy songs (like "Polka") or repeated notes (C C C).
- Use Slurring (Legato): For sad, emotional, or romantic songs (like "Titanic" or "Amazing Grace").
Homework
Go back to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Try playing the whole first line without tonguing (except the first note). See how different it feels!
