http://www.thomasgrillo.com
A short introductory theremin lesson to playing notes, executing dynamic vibratto, and dynamic volume with the theremin. Playing errors included to demonstrate how difficult it is to play the theremin well.
To get a closer look at the aereal finger technique, right click on the video, select "zoom in" set to desired zoom, and drag the image to where you can see the hand.
Instructed by Thomas Grillo on Moog Etherwave Pro theremin.
This is not a substitute for professional how to play videos, books,
or in-person instruction with a professional instructor.
This video would not have been possible without the invaluable professional training videos, books, and workshops produced by Peter Pringle, Carolina Eyck, Pamelia Kurstin, and Lydia Kavina. All of their methods have been, and are still being
studied by me.
Copyright 2007 Thomas Grillo
See more videos uploaded by ThomasGrillo
Theremins came into being in 1919 when a radio physicist by the name of Leon Theremin noticed a squeel that came from a tube he accidentally touched when working on a radio. Being a musician as well as a technician, he found a way to turn a noise into something musical.
If one leaves the room, and the instrument is set up right, there should be no sound as the zero beat zone goes well across much of the room. But, if the pitch feild is too small, then the zero beat, and negative zones will be too close to the theremin. It will go up in pitch and howl until you re
turn.
You can find theremins on the web at soundslikeburns, moogmusic, PAiA, Wavefront, and other online dealers of musical instruments. Also on e-bay too.
You can use a rappid opening, and closing of the fingers to the thumbs to trill, or even use an open handed wiggling of the fingers to trill. You can also simply amplify the vibrato widely, which is prettymuch what I do with the wrist method.
Wavefront makes a Travelcase theremin for 800, and a Classic model for 1800. Soundlikeburns makes the B3 theremins between 152, 200, and 300.
You must do both, listen for the pitch carefully before playing it loudly, and you must also rely on muscle memory to play intuitively. it does take a lot of time, and practice to master these skills.