I came across this article last night which launched me into a new era of music making - using free or inexpensive iPhone apps to make music. There are several ways to play and create music on your mobile phone, but the one which captured my fancy is the Ocarina app, which replicates the sound of an ages-old wind instrument. No doubt many of us played around with ocarinas as kids. Now we can go high tech! Hereâs how it works:
- Holding the phone 2-3 inches from your mouth, blow into the microphone. The program converts the rush of air into sound. The harder you blow, the louder the tone.
- Four circles on the iPhoneâs touchscreen represent the instrumentâs holes. Place your fingers on the circles in varying combinations to change the pitch. Ocarina can produce 16 different notes, enough to play most songs, from âAmazing Graceâ? to âStairway to Heaven.â?
- Tilt the phone to trigger the built-in accelerometer, changing the timbre of the sound.
- Record yourself playing and share with your friends, or listen to recordings of Ocarina players from around the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yRi1chfu_c Just think of the possibilities: a solo act, small ensembles, and even an iPhone orchestra. Could be fun as home concerts or even on the concert stage.