Help with school projects

From time to time, I get requests from students working on reports or projects related to theremins. Here are some questions I've received recently. I thought it'd be fun to share them with the group so we can all help with answering:

What does a theremin cost today?

Were can I find a theremin?

What kind of music styles does you play on a theremin?

Is there any kind of things that is cool that I can learn about theremins?

Were can I learn to play theremins, is there any kind of education?

How do you think the theremin affected the people's perception of music in the time of its invention (such as acoustical vs. electronic, or playing without touching)?

Do you think the instrument benefited from its use in sci-fi and horror movies especially during the 50's and 60's. Or do you think this has undermined its credibility as a serious musical instrument?

What do you think about the contemporary interest in the instrument?

What kind of DIY projects have you encountered that enhances and improves the various aspects of the instrument?

[i]Do you think the instrument benefited from its use in sci-fi and horror movies especially during the 50's and 60's.[/i]

Yes, the theremin is a significant instrument in the development of electronic music, and it is no surprise that people with an interest in electronic music often have an interest in science fiction. Without exposure to a receptive audience it is possible that it would have become obsolete, as did other electronic instruments developed around the same time.

http://www.obsolete.com/120_years/



[i]Or do you think this has undermined its credibility as a serious musical instrument?[/i]

You think electronic music is not serious?



[i]What kind of music styles does you play on a theremin?[/i]

Experimental. See mySpace (http://myspace.com/beatfrequencyuk/) or youTube (http://youtube.com/profile?user=GordonCharlton) for examples.



[i]What do you think about the contemporary interest in the instrument?[/i]

I think this is an instance of the Internet allowing small groups of people to communicate with each other, to develop and promote their shared interest despite geographic separation and without mass media support.



[i]Is there any kind of things that is cool that I can learn about theremins?[/i]

Everything about theremins is cool. [img]http://b1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01296/11/65/1296415611_l.gif[/img]