The ocarina plays at the same pitch as the descant recorder and sounds well alongside recorders in groups. Ocarinas are much easier instruments to play, with fewer holes and a more immediate range of notes. Reading from Oc-pix™ and Oc-box™ music, and handling just four holes, make the ocarina a more accessible instrument for any beginner. Its round shape means that it tends not to squeak, even if played over-enthusiastically, reducing the suffering of player, parents and audience in the early stages!