You may want to find a specific tutorial or you may want to work from the very first beginner
lesson in The Fundamentals, then then go lesson by lesson, in order. To do this, go to the
Complete Tutorial Listing. Locate the lesson you’d like to access in the listing, then type the
lesson number (for example, “Lesson 22″) into the SEARCH field above and press ENTER. The
lesson heading will appear (note that others may be listed to, but you will see the header for
the lesson you want). Click on the header and the lesson will come up.
I urge you to view Part 1 before trying this lesson. Adjusting your theremin can make a big
difference in your progress with this lesson and many that follow. In Part 2 we lay the
groundwork for creating sounds right at the threshold. Once you get the hang of this, you’re
ready for working on truly Xtreme forms of articulation.
Maximize your potential in all of the tutorials that comprise The Xtremes! Consider rolling up
your sleeves and getting right into the workings of your theremin. This tutorial will take you
through the process of making an internal adjustment to the instrument that dramatically
changes the location of the “threshold” — the point above the volume loop right at the edge
of silence and sound. All you need is a flashlight and screwdriver. We’ll cover the Standard
Etherwave, Etherwave Pro, and the B3 Series. Those of you with other makes of theremins
may be able to discern how to do it once you’ve seen this.
Let’s look at the second choice you can make to work past the obstacle of stopping and starting.
By using this distinct “stop and start” method as a conscious choice, you will improve muscle/
pitch memory, relieve tension and make it all the way through a song.
As thereminists, we want to get the melody right! We practice and practice, going
back and forth through a piece, and a lot of times, it seems we’ll we never make it
to the end! Here is the first of two ways to overcome what is probably the most
common obstacle thereminists face when working on music. The need to get things
“perfect” can actually inhibit your playing. Stopping and starting has its place, but it’s
also important to be able to break out of that pattern when practicing.
This last tutorial in the New Pitch and Articulation Mindset series brings everything back to
you. As you find a way of once again centering yourself, practice all of the tutorials for
a while and return to them periodically, particularly if you reach a plateau and want to advance your practice.
Remember what it felt like when you first tried playing a theremin? Adopting a new mindset
in this instance requires challenging even your most basic ability to play. Can you take control
in the face of new, and sometimes unusual playing parameters? Good luck; and get ready to
remove your shoes.
We begin this tutorial with a hilariously lame demo. That’s the point! This is an extremely
effective aid to adopting a new pitch and articulation mindset: push yourself so far
beyond what you are capable of that it releases you from a result-oriented attitude and
encourages more long-term exploration that you’d never otherwise try.
An excerpt from the Dalet Concert Series. Witness as your perceptions change the
deeper and deeper you go…enlightenment and the munchies may be at hand.
In addition to the techniques of pitch fishing, consider employing an electronic pitch preview
to help you increase accuracy. Let’s talk about it uses, pros and cons.