Theremin Lesson One

Uploaded by: ThomasGrillo
Video Description:
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

Tags for this video: annotations bizarre educational electronic Etherwave fi Grillo guide how instruction Learn Lesson lessons Moog music One play Pro sci strange the theramin theremin Thomas to tutorial video with world

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I have a question. ... ( 6 days ago by Dthero314)

I have a question. I'm considering getting a theremin; however my right hand is a bit messed up due to a less-than recent accident, and I have trouble shaping it correctly to match the video. Now, I noticed the rods/antenna/bars are positioned in a way that inhibits you to swap the hands' usage (i.e. use right hand for volume, left for pitch). Is there a 'left handed' theremin where the bars are properly swapped/a way to reposition the bars to help swap hands?

With theremins like ... ( 6 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

With theremins like the B3s, or the Etherwave Standards, you can simply turn the theremin around to put the antennas in a position that allows for left handed playing.
Moogmusic used to make the Etherwave Pro in a version that could be ordered as a left handed model. Wavefront still makes left handed theremins to order.

Hmmm... for the ... ( 6 days ago by Dthero314)

Hmmm... for the swiveling around bit, isn't the volume antenna/bar anchored in a slanted position? I'm just being paranoid (and it doesn't help that I'm not super familiar with theremin functions), but it seems like that added with the small bend in the bar would alter the playability if positioned 'behind' it. Still, thank you. I'll search into the Wavefront model.

The Etherwave ... ( 6 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

The Etherwave Standard's volume antenna is not nearly as slanted as the one on the Etherwave Pro, so it's not as much a concern. However, in Theremin Lessons 5, and 6, I demonstrate visually, without mentioning it, that you can indeed connect the volume loop by only one point, and it still works. When you turn your Etherwave around, you can flip the antenna so it's like when it's on the other side. You would connect to the threaded mount closest to you. You can then adjust the angle this way.

I'd add that the B3 ... ( 6 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

I'd add that the B3, B3 Deluxe, and B3 Pro all have volume antennas which are perfectly flat, so there's no need to worry when rotating the theremin here.

Ah, thanks for the ... ( 6 days ago by jimxevil)

Ah, thanks for the intro. I really want one, but I was wondering exactly how to make it work. Now if only I can find one to test drive...

If you can't find a ... ( 6 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

If you can't find a friend with one locally, you'll want to get the B3 from soundslikeburns on the web. They're just $152, and are a great way to explore the theremin without a large investment. Good luck. ;)

how the h**l does ... ( 6 days ago by GothQueenLuvGorillaz)

how the h**l does it work. there is nothing there to control wit your hands.

Theremins have a ... ( 5 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

Theremins have a radio-magnetic field around the antennas. They work on capacitence. When we move our hands into, or out of the fields, our capacitence changes the electronic values of the tone generating oscilators which work using principals of heterodyning. Heterodyning means different energy. Two oscilators create a very high, innaudible tone, but one is tuned ever so slightly off from the other. The difference between the two produces a lower audible tone, which is affefted by capacitence.

Does anything ... ( 5 days ago by hylkeenteroittaja)

Does anything happen if you move your right hand up or down?

It's very ... ( 5 days ago by therealsmashbrother)

It's very interesting. But it's kind of creepy sounding in parts, but I think that's just because I haven't heard it much.

If I move the hand ... ( 5 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

If I move the hand I control pitch with up, and down, it only has a very minimal affect on pitch. it's mostly horizontal movement of the pitch hand that controls notes the most.

Hi Mr. Grillo, ... ( 4 days ago by ditman83)

Hi Mr. Grillo, thanks for your vid. It was a really cool introduction on this instrument, I loved the didactic tone and the examples. So cool. I didn't exactly know how to control all the aspects of the generated tone (I had noticed vibrato and tone changes before, but didn't know what was the left hand for). Thanks!

Thank you very much ( 4 days ago by a1n2t3o3n2i1o)

Thank you very much

antenna antenna ... ( 3 days ago by VoxSweden)

antenna antenna antennae

I know, confusing. ... ( 3 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

I know, confusing. I only learned long after producing this video that the plural term "antennae" is actually not correct when talking about devices with more than one antenna. Turns out it's only accurate when talking about insects. Who knew?

Thomas, where can I ... ( 2 days ago by jerrybaggins)

Thomas, where can I purchase a theremin? Thank you

You can get ... ( 2 days ago by ThomasGrillo)

You can get theremins on the web at soundslikeburns, zzounds, moogmusic, wavefront, PAiA, E-bay, instrumentpro, and others. Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars, to thousands, depending on the model.

wow i cant believe ... ( 2 days ago by DeathcoreDude)

wow i cant believe i didnt even know this instrument existed, it has me very interested

wow this is an ... ( 1 day ago by darkniteguy)

wow this is an pretty sweet instrument, does this take as much skill as a piano or a violin would? it looks like someone would have a hard time playing a song on that.

The theremin is the ... ( 1 day ago by ThomasGrillo)

The theremin is the most difficult instrument in the world to play "well". It took me about a year, and a half, and 8 to 10 hours every day to reach my current playing skill level.
But, it's a very rewarding instrument, once it's mastered.

Holy cow, that is ... ( 1 day ago by ballerbryan4)

Holy cow, that is amazing!

thank you! please ... ( 15 hours ago by sydbarrettsaves)

thank you! please post more. ^_^

I CANT BELIEVE THIS ... ( 1 hour ago by AngryTofo)

I CANT BELIEVE THIS !!

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Theremin Lesson One

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