Welcome to Thereminworld.
It sounds like you will fit in nicely around here.
It sounds like you will fit in nicely around here.
Roll call!
Posted: 11/22/2005 5:37:01 PM
Hey! I'm Andy and I trained (many moons ago) as a classical pianist at the Royal College of Music London. I also got into Harpsichord playing and early music in a big way, and while doing a degree at Birmingham University got into Musique Concrete.
Since then I have grown considerably older (late thirties now) and fatter (ahem). I also got married and had two wonderful kids. The rest of the day I worked in the recording contracts department for EMI Records UK for a few years before becoming a music teacher full time.
I got very into electronic keyboards along the way, and developed even broader musical tastes. I became Head of Keyboard for the local education authority, but just recently I started moving away from my public sector teaching to start up The Electronic Music School with a good friend and colleague.
In the midst of all this I became seriously interested in Electronic Music Production, composing and "noodling around" using software such as Propellerheads Reason and Ableton Live.
I first heard the Theremin on BBC Radio 3 a few years ago while driving to a school somewhere. I had to pull over the car because the sound totally moved me. I decided there and then to find out more about the Theremin.
Well that was four years ago, and you know what they say about good intentions ;)... but finally I have bought my first Theremin - the basic Big Brair model. The DVD that fell out of the box is fabulous!
Now then, how the hell do you play this thing?
Since then I have grown considerably older (late thirties now) and fatter (ahem). I also got married and had two wonderful kids. The rest of the day I worked in the recording contracts department for EMI Records UK for a few years before becoming a music teacher full time.
I got very into electronic keyboards along the way, and developed even broader musical tastes. I became Head of Keyboard for the local education authority, but just recently I started moving away from my public sector teaching to start up The Electronic Music School with a good friend and colleague.
In the midst of all this I became seriously interested in Electronic Music Production, composing and "noodling around" using software such as Propellerheads Reason and Ableton Live.
I first heard the Theremin on BBC Radio 3 a few years ago while driving to a school somewhere. I had to pull over the car because the sound totally moved me. I decided there and then to find out more about the Theremin.
Well that was four years ago, and you know what they say about good intentions ;)... but finally I have bought my first Theremin - the basic Big Brair model. The DVD that fell out of the box is fabulous!
Now then, how the hell do you play this thing?
Posted: 11/22/2005 5:57:39 PM
Great post... welcome to Thereminworld.com.
In the Learn/Learn to play section of this website, you can find much useful information -- including a link where you can obtain a free copy of Clara Rockmore's Method for Theremin. If you haven't already, order Peter Pringle's instructional video, too.
You may want to visit the Forum for "Aerial Fingering Technique" (ok... I started the thread so I'm kind of attached to it) that has many posts by me and others regarding technique.
Enjoy!
In the Learn/Learn to play section of this website, you can find much useful information -- including a link where you can obtain a free copy of Clara Rockmore's Method for Theremin. If you haven't already, order Peter Pringle's instructional video, too.
You may want to visit the Forum for "Aerial Fingering Technique" (ok... I started the thread so I'm kind of attached to it) that has many posts by me and others regarding technique.
Enjoy!
Posted: 11/24/2005 1:12:59 PM
Hi! In real life, I go by the name Brian (cue theme from opening titles of "Monty Python's Life of Brian").
I'm a classically trained composer, with miscellaneous experience performing on various keyboards, guitars, and wind instruments, plus conducting, singing and an irrepressible delight in smacking percussion instruments, despite a complete lack of training for that task.
I bought my Etherwave fully expecting that I wouldn't be able to play it at all, ever... but I figured that it would be too much fun NOT to have around, even if I were doomed only to produce weird, spooky, wobbling, extraterrestrial glissando sounds.
However, between the accompanying Lydia Kavina pointers and Peter Pringle's DVD, I've progressed much more rapidly than I expected, and I'm already plotting a public performance early next year, at the school in greater Boston where I teach.
Need I mention that I'm delighted to find this online community--kudos to Jason for establishing and maintaining it!
I'm a classically trained composer, with miscellaneous experience performing on various keyboards, guitars, and wind instruments, plus conducting, singing and an irrepressible delight in smacking percussion instruments, despite a complete lack of training for that task.
I bought my Etherwave fully expecting that I wouldn't be able to play it at all, ever... but I figured that it would be too much fun NOT to have around, even if I were doomed only to produce weird, spooky, wobbling, extraterrestrial glissando sounds.
However, between the accompanying Lydia Kavina pointers and Peter Pringle's DVD, I've progressed much more rapidly than I expected, and I'm already plotting a public performance early next year, at the school in greater Boston where I teach.
Need I mention that I'm delighted to find this online community--kudos to Jason for establishing and maintaining it!
Posted: 12/12/2005 11:15:25 PM
Hello Friends,
I recently discovered the beauty of the Theremin from Bobby Bilan at a Guess Who concert here in Pennsylvania, USA.
I don't have a musical background, but am a life-loving-open-minded person who loves to experience anything and everything. I am planning to explore music scholastically in the near future to express my creativity and emotions.
The uniqueness and allure of this instrument is captivating. In my opinion, the Theremin exudes sensuality--and watching someone interact with it can be very sexy and alluring. I love to explore, adventure and discover new concepts. Theremin manipulation (for lack of a better word)seems to be spiritual in nature, and has added to my world of curiousity. I am so full of life right now.....and want to thank Bobby for introducing the magic of the Theremin to me.
xxPamelaxx
Age 34
I recently discovered the beauty of the Theremin from Bobby Bilan at a Guess Who concert here in Pennsylvania, USA.
I don't have a musical background, but am a life-loving-open-minded person who loves to experience anything and everything. I am planning to explore music scholastically in the near future to express my creativity and emotions.
The uniqueness and allure of this instrument is captivating. In my opinion, the Theremin exudes sensuality--and watching someone interact with it can be very sexy and alluring. I love to explore, adventure and discover new concepts. Theremin manipulation (for lack of a better word)seems to be spiritual in nature, and has added to my world of curiousity. I am so full of life right now.....and want to thank Bobby for introducing the magic of the Theremin to me.
xxPamelaxx
Age 34
Posted: 12/23/2005 10:28:00 AM
The response to this topic is remarkable! Most responses are from players so here is another viewpoint. I have been interested in Theremins since a teenager and built Moog's 1954 Theremin in the mid '70s. My interest was recently reignited and I built a copy of the original RCA Theremin using vintage parts. This led to the complete restoration of a real RCA Theremin to museum standards. This led to my present project of restoring an Ondes Martenot and a future restoration of an Ondioline. You never know where things will lead you but the ride is sure fun!
Mark
Mark
Posted: 12/24/2005 9:14:04 AM
I've just started to admire the use of the Theremin (as used by Jonathan Greenwood) as well as the Ondes Martenot and Trautonium.
I am yet to own one of any of the above as I have no idea where to look.
I am yet to own one of any of the above as I have no idea where to look.
You must be logged in to post a reply. Please log in or register for a new account.