Meet David Erick Ramos of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Erick Ramos

Hi David Erick, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve had two passions in life ever since I was a kid—music and video games. Music allowed me to express myself, and video games gave me an escape from what was, at times, a difficult childhood. Those passions collided when I played The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where you needed a magical flute to complete a mythical quest. My mind was blown when, at 14, I realized that ocarinas were real instruments! I received one for my next birthday, and that’s when my obsession was born.

While studying music in college in 2006, I stumbled upon this new site called YouTube. I posted a few videos of me playing my ocarinas, and to my surprise, they went viral almost immediately, racking up nearly 200,000 views in just three days—a big deal back then! Since then, I’ve kept posting original ocarina compositions, covers, and tutorials, and my channel has grown to nearly 100 million views.

YouTube allowed me to turn my favorite hobby into a full-time career. Over the past 17 years, I’ve performed around the world, released several original albums, published an ocarina method book, taught private and group classes, and I’m now in the final stages of my Kickstarter project to create a photo book and online museum featuring my collection of nearly 500 ocarinas. I’m pretty sure I have one of the largest private collections in the world!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but those challenges have shaped who I am as an artist. One of the biggest struggles early on was trying to convince people that the ocarina could be a serious instrument. Most people still associate it with a toy or a gimmick, especially because of its connection to The Legend of Zelda. So, I’m constantly working to show that it’s capable of creating beautiful, complex music.

Balancing the creative side with the business side is another ongoing challenge. As much as I love making music, being an independent musician means wearing a lot of hats—managing projects, teaching, promoting my work, seeking out new collaborative opportunities, and always finding ways to connect with my audience. Burnout is a real concern when juggling all of that, especially with the way YouTube and social media are constantly evolving. Staying relevant and keeping up with the algorithms is a full-time job in itself.

But when I face those darker moments, especially with my mental health, my community shows up and supports me in ways I can’t even describe. They remind me that I’m not alone and that what I create is meaningful. That support means the world to me, and it’s the reason I keep going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work focuses on showing the ocarina’s versatility as an instrument, and I’ve made it a point in my compositions and cover songs to push its boundaries across multiple genres. I’ve used the ocarina in everything from classical and symphonic pieces to Celtic, R&B, metal/rock, indie pop, and even electronic music. For me, it’s about proving that the ocarina isn’t limited to any one style—it can be dynamic, expressive, and fit into a wide range of modern musical contexts.

I’m also really proud of my ongoing project to document and preserve the history of the ocarina. Through my photo book and online museum, I’m curating nearly 500 ocarinas from around the world, diving into their craftsmanship and cultural significance. This project has been an exciting way for me to merge my passion for the instrument with my interest in its global history, especially since there are so few resources about the history of the instrument.

What sets me apart is my ability to take an instrument that’s often overlooked and introduce it in fresh, unexpected ways. Whether I’m composing new pieces, teaching, or working on large-scale projects like the museum, I’m constantly finding ways to push the ocarina beyond its traditional uses and show the world what it’s capable of.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d love to encourage anyone who’s curious about the ocarina—or music in general—to explore it further. The ocarina is such a beautiful and versatile instrument, and there’s so much more to it than people realize. They’re also very affordable and compact, so you can have one with you wherever you go. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, it’s never too late to pick up something new and see where it takes you.

Beyond the music, I’m also a big advocate for mental health. Music has always been my outlet, and it’s helped me through some of my darkest moments. I think it’s important for people to know they’re not alone in their struggles. Creating and connecting through music has been a huge part of my own healing process, and I want to encourage others to find what helps them—whether it’s music, art, or simply reaching out for support.

I’m always working on new music and projects, so if you’re interested, feel free to check out my YouTube channel or social media to see what I’m up to. I’ve got some exciting things in the works, including my upcoming photo book and a new EP featuring 6 original compositions for the ocarina and a symphonic orchestra. I also have a new online group class starting in January, so if you’d like to learn how to play, it’s the perfect opportunity!

I’m really passionate about sharing this instrument with as many people as I can, and I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to learn more, join this growing community, or talk about mental health.

Pricing:

• My music is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and wherever you stream music
• My ocarina method book is available for $25 on my website (DavidErickRamos.com)
• New online zoom class for beginners starting January 11th, 2024 (more info on website)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.daviderickramos.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/daviderickramos_
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/daviderickramos
• Twitter: https://x.com/DavidErickRamos
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/daviderickramos
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/docjazz4

Image Credits
Roxy Panaro, Giselle Vadam