Ocarina

Review

Common Sense Media says

Blowing into a mic makes music but takes practice.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this amazing app turns the iPhone into a modern-day version of the flute-like ocarina. Just purse your lips and blow into the mic. Kids as young as 6 can learn the fingering but younger ones will be frustrated and limited.

  • Ease of use4
    First graders can learn to read Ocarina notation, which consists of simple visual diagrams. There are just four "holes" for fingers to cover in various combinations. Producing an even flow of breath against the iPhone's mic to sustain the notes is the hardest part. If kids can't finger and blow at the same time you can set the app to touch mode, which does not require breath to produce sound.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    If you let the app use your location it will record and map whatever you play, even if you're just goofing off. To control what you share, disallow location mapping and change auto-recording to Off or Manual in Settings. If you do share, you can remain anonymous.
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Is it any good?

 

Ocarina is one of those iPhone apps that sounds crazy. But it works and it's magic. When fingers touch different spots indicated on the screen, the iPhone emits sweet flutelike tones. Sheet music for a wide variety of familiar songs is available. Unfortunately, you can't record your performance, only save a link to the developer's website. Brag e-mails direct family and friends to listen at the site.

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This review was written by Carla Thornton

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This review was written by Carla Thornton
Category:Music
Platforms:iPhone, iPad
Price:$0.99
Publisher:Smule
Version:1.3.3
Release date:March 23, 2010
This review was written by Carla Thornton

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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