Author Archives: KipRosser

Learn to Play the Theremin

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How to Access Tutorials In Sequence

VERY IMPORTANT LESSON! For Owners of Moog Etherwave Standard, Pro, Plus, Claravox To Learn How to Set Your Theremin’s Pitch Control If you’re just starting out, this is crucial. You want LESSON ZERO. In quotation marks, just type “Lesson Zero” in the search field. Then press “Enter.” Click on the lesson title and the lesson [...]

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Tip 1: What To Do When Zero Beat Disappears

Setting zero beat can become impossible under certain conditions. 1) the pitch circuits “slip” over time, and suddenly, you’re unable to set it; or. 2) you change the location of the theremin to another place (room, stage, library, etc.) and there’s interference due to lighting, facility wiring, the proximity of other electronics. Here’s how to [...]

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Lesson 64
The Xtremes: Xtreme Pitches and Rhythms
Part 2

This is the final lesson the “The Complete Theremin” course, and hopefully, a real challenge for everyone. Let’s go out on an Xtreme note. The melodic and rhythmic sequences in this tutorial require speed, accuracy and persistence. And they just might be things you already know but have never attempted to play. Have fun!   [...]

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Lesson 63
The Xtremes: Xtreme Pitches and Rhythms
Part 1

In continuing to work with the precision fan, this lesson introduces two short, briskly paced melodic sequences. The first is a sequence that is primarily a melodic descent, while the second is a melodic ascension. They’re both designed to test your ability to simultaneously hit precise pitches and synchronize them with rhythm. In addition, since [...]

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Lesson 57
The Xtremes: Xtreme Volume Hand Techniques
Part 4

In Part 4, pitch is added back into the mix exclusive of rhythm. In an evolution of Lesson 45, the challenge is to see if hitting pitches in a scale is possible in one unbroken movement of the pitch hand, while the volume hand articulates each one. This is the precursor to playing challenging and/or [...]

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Lesson 56
The Xtremes: Xtreme Volume Hand Techniques
Part 3

Transition out of the “hand fan” to the more challenging “precision fan.” In preparation for incorporating melody, we’ll continue to disregard pitch and take on complex and rapid rhythms; You’ll build endurance and accuracy as you work at the threshold.  

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Lesson 55
The Xtremes: Xtreme Volume Hand Techniques
Part 2

First, be sure to work with Part 1 of this series; that is where you learn the basics of the “hand fan,” and you’ll need to be proficient with it when tackling this lesson. We’ll experiment with rhythms that get progressively more rapid and complex. Be sure to record yourself when working on this and [...]

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Lesson 54
The Xtremes: Xtreme Volume Hand Techniques
Part 1

In the first of this four-part sequence of lessons, we’ll review every volume hand technique and begin working toward techniques that help with greater relaxation while playing, cleaner articulation, and the ability to play more rapidly. The new “transitional” technique shown here lays the groundwork for what’s to come, so, make sure to record yourself [...]

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A Little Bit Live From Joe’s Pub

Under the auspices of the New York Theremin Society, I was privileged to be part of an evening with four other thereminists. Cinematographer, Kasper Tuxen was on hand and although he shot only very brief sequences of our performances, the celebratory atmosphere and overwhelming audience enthusiasm in very much in evidence. So, here’s a little [...]

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