Music is central to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and mastering the Ocarina is essential to progressing through the adventure. While the game automatically teaches Link most songs as part of the main storyline, several optional melodies can be easily missed. These hidden tracks offer useful quality-of-life improvements and shortcuts that make exploring Hyrule considerably more convenient.
The majority of Ocarina songs are woven into the narrative and will be taught to Link naturally as the story unfolds. These mandatory songs are required to complete key objectives and advance toward the game's conclusion. The game guides players to these songs at the appropriate moments, so no deliberate searching is necessary to obtain them.


Beyond the story-driven songs, several optional melodies reward players who explore thoroughly. The Sun's Song can be acquired by traveling to Kakariko Village and entering the Graveyard through the path beside the windmill. At the graveyard's far end, a Triforce symbol marks a special location. Playing Zelda's Lullaby at this spot opens the Royal Tomb and grants access to the Sun's Song.
Epona's Song becomes available during the opening segment of the game. When first visiting Hyrule Castle, Link encounters Malon outside the gates, who gives him a special egg and requests his help waking her father. After obtaining the Wake-Up Cucco from the egg and using it to rouse her dad, Malon and her father return to Lon Lon Ranch. Visiting the ranch and finding Malon near the horses triggers a conversation about a calming melody. Drawing out the Ocarina at this moment prompts her to teach the song.
The Scarecrow Song involves a unique two-part process. After diving through the Zora Domain and reaching Lake Hylia, two scarecrows named Pierre and Bonooru can be found along the lake's shoreline. Pierre requests that Link play a song, but rather than requiring a specific melody, he simply wants an original composition. After Link creates and performs a custom tune, Pierre dances to it and asks that the same song be played for Bonooru, who memorizes it. The song becomes fully unlocked only after returning to both scarecrows as adult Link and performing the custom melody again.
Collecting these optional songs enhances the overall experience, providing both practical benefits and a deeper engagement with the game's musical mechanics. Players who take time to seek out these hidden melodies will find their journey through Hyrule considerably enriched.
