When the app store first launched, there were a pretty nice variety of beat box / drum machine type apps. Some of them good, some not so good. Then I started seeing a few keyboard based synths that used the iPhone’s touch screen and had some really great sound. But to take things to the next level, Smule developed Ocarina, an actual instrument you can blow into on your iPhone.

Back in the 80′s when the synthesizer was were gaining popularity was the first time I had ever seen a wind controlled synthesizer. Basically, it allows the musician to use any synthesized sound and control it using their own breath, just like a real wood wind instrument. I never dreamt that this technology would be found in the phone that I carry around in my pocket! Enter Ocarina from Smule.
Ocarina uses the iPhones microphone to allow you literally blow a tune. Using the touch screen and four dotted areas, Ocarina acts as a flute. As you blow into the microphone, you can lift and lower your fingers over the four “holes” on screen. I was very skeptical about the app at first. I really didn’t think it would work at all, but after downloading and installing it, I’m sold! Just watch this video to see how unbelievable it is!

Ocarina is a lot of fun to play with. It really reminds me of playing the recorder back in grade school. The application relies on preset modes to change the sound of the scale that Ocarina can use. It’s preset to the C-major scale but it has a full suite of other modes for musicians that know what they are doing. There’s even a “Zeldarian” mode, which is based on the video game Zelda. It’s also surprisingly responsive to your breath, touch and movements. I didn’t think that the iPhone would make a good wind controller but it actually feel quite natural. This really is a real instrument that you can play on the iPhone!

The best part about Ocarina is the user community that has really taken off. Smule has a forum full of dedicated Ocarina users that post and share songs they’ve learned to play on the Ocarina. And before you feel like you need to know how to read sheet music or know anything about playing an instrument at all, Smule has developed a pictograph system to teach you how to play the songs that folks submit. It’s as easy as looking at the picture and placing your fingers on the holes to match it.

Ocarina also showcases others around the world who are playing they’re Ocarina and sharing their music. One of the buttons in the app shows a spinning globe with green dots displaying where others are playing the Ocarina app. Some are really good, and some are just awful though! There’s also an option for you to add a song you like as a favorite.

I am still amazed at this little app. Ocarina [link goes to the iTunes store] brings a lot of fun and music to your iPhone for only $.99. But hurry, the $.99 price is only an introductory price! Download the app and learn a few songs, then share it with the world. Your friends will be amazed when they see what this app can do! I can’t wait to see if Ocarina will have various other synth voices in the future. That would put this application over the top!