Zelda fans are quite familiar with the ocarina. Nintendo inserted this ancient wind instrument into its critically acclaimed role-playing adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where the game's protagonist, the heroic Link, uses it to play different songs to solve puzzles. So beloved is the music, that players memorized these harmonious melodies by heart.

Ocarinas have a rich history that goes much further than the 1998 video game. These instruments, often ceramic (though glass, plastic, wood and metal ones existed at some point), first appeared some 12,000 years ago and were huge in South American and Asian cultures. In fact, the explorer, Cortes, helped introduce the ocarina to Europe, after discovering it Mesoamerica. It also proved successful in both World Wars, where they were given to soldiers to boost morale; you never see that in the Call of Duty games.

Their popularity stems from their small size and ease of use. Unlike most instruments, users can produce songs within a much shorter window of time. The learning curve ramps up on the 12 hole ocarinas (we suggest starting with a four-holed one), but for the most part, a little practice produces satisfying results.

For whatever reason (the rise of the electric guitar, perhaps), ocarinas slipped from the public eye before receiving a huge boost in Ocarina of Time. This resurgence in popularity prompted St. Louis Ocarina (STL Ocarina) to provide a wide assortment of these instruments to both gamers and/or musicians. Founded in 2005, the company has a plethora of ocarinas suited for players of all skill levels, but they're more than a novelty. These ocarinas have appeared in various symphonies across the United States.

Since Zelda fans were hungry for ocarinas of their own, STL Ocarina created gorgeous replicas, including one of its newest creations, the Rupee ocarina. In addition, the company offers lesson books on how to play, as well as books full of music from The Legend of Zelda video games, including Kokiri Forest, Epona's Song and Bolero of Fire (Ocarina of Time), as well as Legendary Hero (Wind Waker) and Song of Guru-Guru, Sonata of Awaking and Woods of Mystery (Majora's Mask). These ocarinas range in price ($16-$300), allowing everyone to choose instruments within their price range.

We recently spoke with Heather Scott, a musician from STL Ocarina, to learn more about the company, its products and most importantly, how to play Zelda music.

What makes the ocarina unique compared to other wind instruments?

Ocarina is an easier instrument for beginners. Many wind instruments take a long time to learn how to blow. Flute students, for example, may take weeks to even get a sound out of their instrument. With an ocarina, you can play simple songs right away.

Unlike other instruments, ocarinas come in various shapes, colors and sizes. We are continuing to put out new shapes and designs so the possibilities are as endless as the imagination.

The sound of the ocarina is also quite different from any other instrument. The tone has a pure, yet folksy mellowness that can be soothing or upbeat.

How has The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time impacted not only the ocarina's history, but also your business?

A large number of our customers were introduced to the instrument by the Ocarina of Time, so we've had a lot of people coming to us specifically looking for a Zelda replica. Many find that they enjoy the ocarina so much that they start collecting other models as well. The ocarina becomes a relaxing hobby for them.

Where does the Ocarina of Time music rank on your customers' must learn
lists?

For Zelda fans, Zelda's lullaby is often the first song they want to learn. Other songs from the Legend of Zelda games are also quite possible. On the flip side, our customers who have never played the Legend of Zelda games are often introduced to the games by the music.

We struggle playing instruments and noticed that some of these Ocarinas have
a whopping 12 holes. That may intimidate beginners. How easy are these things
to play? Come on now. We've seen the Molgera Battle video on your website.
How long would it take us to learn that?

The fingering on the 12-hole ocarinas is actually quite easy because it's a linear pattern. I can't think of any other instrument that is easier than the ocarina. Songs like Zelda's lullaby are a fairly simple way to start the ocarina. As you practice, more complicated songs like what I played on the Molgera Battle video are possible. I wouldn't start off with those complicated songs, though. I have recorded tutorial videos to help beginners learn new songs, and we have a lot of educational materials for learning easy.

Most gamers know the ocarina from playing Zelda, but can you briefly comment on its history and cultural significance, particularly with the armed forces?

The ocarina is one of the world's oldest instruments. The first ocarinas and ocarina-like instruments appeared thousands of years ago. Various cultures developed the ocarina independently of one another. Ancient ocarinas have been found in Asia, South America and India. More recently, ocarina became very popular in Italy in the 1800s. In America, ocarina used to be more well known. Back in World War I, ocarinas were given out to servicemen to boost moral. Today, our ocarinas are being played in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How do you make your ocarinas? Can you describe the process, or is it a
trade secret?

Well, I am an ocarina performer, so I don't actually make ocarinas. However, the process is not actually a secret because ocarina making has been going on for thousands of years. We do have some unique ocarinas though that you can't find anywhere else.

What makes your Zelda-themed ocarinas unique? Have you received certain
accolades you're proud of? From Nintendo, perhaps?

Well, our Zelda models not only look great, but they also have a good tone. In addition, we are the only ocarina company that offers rupee ocarinas. We are proud of the quality of our ocarinas. Professional musicians of the highest caliber have chosen our instruments. Our ocarinas have even been used in performances at Carnegie Hall and by
major symphony orchestras around the country, such as Chicago and San Francisco.

Excellent! Thanks for your time.

Interesting in owning a Zelda-inspired ocarina? Buy one here.