Theremin Lessons & Concepts

We’ll bring more of the body into the process of playing, creating more “connections,” that
lead to refining the sense of pitch as well as solidifying our ability to locate pitches. And we’ll
enhance this by becoming ambidextrous.

Developing and refining one’s sense of pitch is ongoing if precision playing is the goal. The
more ways that you can approach the task, the better. Let’s concentrate on scales, intervals
and longer, more complex passages that require even more acute listening and retention.

Another challenge that helps create more neural pathways by using an object as an extension
of yourself. this means that you’ll be locating pitches with something other than your body.
Since precision playing is so dependent on pitch, these experiments for approaching any song
have you use elbows, head and even… well, take a look.

Once again we work with the concept of “playing without trying,” intended to create the state
of mind, body, sensation and approach to playing that is free of tension, anticipation, anxiety
or effort. This time, your are eyes closed in order to intentionally disorient yourself; you then
“fit” a song into your random, free flowing movements.

Now that you’ve practiced isolated attacks and decays, you’re ready to work with all of the
possible combinations. This will sharpen your ability to reproduce and differentiate them with consistency. Each variation requires subtle and specific movements of the volume hand.
Record yourself so that you can hear and evaluate your progress.

Let’s continue the exploration of the way we “shape,” or lend basic character, to any given
pitch. This time, we’ll isolate the decay of our notes to really discern the differences. How you
choose to end a note is key to its overall sonic quality.

A brief explanation of the approach and a look at the rudimentary movements we’ll be using
in the second part of this tutorial.

To develop pitch fingering techniques and really make them your own, work from your wrist
to your fingertips this is the foundation. As you become more proficient at this, the movements
that yield repeatable results will happen naturally and they’ll also grow more subtle. Depending
upon the melody you want to play, these movements will continue to evolve.

Following the initial attack and before the decay of any note, you find yourself in the middle
of the pitch you created. Here is where you have the most freedom to shape the sonic quality
of what you’re playing. This is a time to experiment; try for effects, vary the length, put
different vibrato techniques to work. The possibilities are infinite.