Are there any teachers in the Seattle area?

So, I have a an Etherwave Theremin that I built from the kit. I'm not a musician and am having a difficult time with the Theremin basics. Wading through all these threads isn't quite getting the job done. So, Seattle, are there any theremin teachers out there? Or do you all know of anyone who may be willing to teach? I'm a terrific student.

welcome to Theremin World!

Theremin teachers are really hard to find.
but search
http://www.thereminworld.com/websearch.asp
around the forums and ask anyone you meet.
till you find one check out the Theremin Technique forum here and stock up on the dvd-s and books as much as you can.

keep us posted!

How could I forget TW's own Learn to Play page?
http://www.thereminworld.com/play.asp

The one DVD I keep coming back to is the Clara Rockmore documentary from Moog
http://www.moogmusic.com/detail.php?main_product_id=52

[img]http://www.thereminworld.com/pics/news/rockmore_video_moog.jpg[/img]

Thanks omhoge. Mastering the Theremin came with my kit. It was when I popped in that dvd my theremin woes began. I realized, as I was practicing with Lydia my pitch was reversed. SO, I used that tool on L5 and L6 to 'make it right'. However, finding the correct pitch is confusing to me.

This is prolly answered in another thread so sorry to ask again but:

What is a zero beat?
The pitch range, specifically the bass, is significantly lost when I put the Theremin top on. Is there something I can do about this?

Zero beat is the point within the pitch field where no note is sounded.
The entire pitch field, in my mind, is like a plane with a valley. Zero beat is the dip of the valley and you can adjust it's distance from the rod.
[tried a typest graphic here but won't render, sorry]

When you tune, you tune so that your resting stance or lowest playing position is silence or a low note of your choosing and moving your pitch hand towards the rod sounds ever rising notes.

Yeah, it comes up a lot, here's a couple good member comments from the search reaults. hth!

kevinkissinger:
http://www.thereminworld.com/forum.asp?cmd=p&T=1631&F=557
GordonC:
http://www.thereminworld.com/forum.asp?cmd=p&T=2331&F=557
http://www.thereminworld.com/forum.asp?cmd=p&T=2491&F=3

I used to live in the Seattle area and get back there time to time for work. Maybe we can hook up some time when I'm back. shoot me some mail at jason[at]thereminworld.com.

Hey bingbong,

I know it is not close, but there are several professional thereminists in L.A. [Robby Virus, Armen Ra and Charles Lester, etc...] and I'd bet there have to be pro-level players in San Fran. as well.
I realize it's not as convenient as your own home town, but why not take a gander in Calif. and maybe you could hook up for monthly lessons or a weekend intensive.

Long shot I know, but thereminists tend to work in isolation and being with other players in person, even just socially, is a great inspiration. Most of our close friends and family will start to zone out as soon as we mention playing fields.
Until then hope you find a little bit of that support and serious theremin exchange here at Theremin World.

again good luck and by all means
keep us posted, search the site for info. and fun facts and keep asking whatever you need to.

hth

Mustn't forget Carolina Eyck (http://www.google.com/search?q=%22carolina+eyck+is%22). She has been known to give masterclasses in L.A. when she is in the States.

(-: Or of course you could jump in a plane and jet off to merrie England for Hands Off 2007 - it'd be like a crash course (in a good way) and would increase the American representation by 33%. :-)