Hello everyone. I'm Dave, a computer musician, game developer, and Kemetic Orthodox priest. I'm very new to the theremin, having received an Etherwave Standard just yesterday.
A really excellent music teacher and my dad's small collection of Tomita and Wendy Carlos 8-tracks got me into all kinds of musical adventures from an early age. I used to play one of those electric organs with the plastic reeds and loud fan, recording it on a cheap cassette recorder. (I kind of miss that thing really...)
When I was a little older I started playing violin, and then convinced my parents I really needed a synthesizer. Or two, or three... you know how that goes! I played keyboards in the high school jazz band and did more experimental things, but once I was in college, I didn't make as much time to make music.
About 10 years ago I did a little soundtrack work for one of our games, using an awkward combination of early Cakewalk software, SoundFonts and some outboard gear. Some time afterward my sister introduced me to FruityLoops/FLStudio and VST plugins. From there on I got more serious, and have self-released a few albums. Most recently my music has been a dark ambient/industrial blend.
I also play hand percussion (djembe, ashiko, doumbek, and whatever I can beat on or shake). Not on a professional level, but I feel confident leading spontaneous drum circles and encouraging dancers. :)
Even with the drumming though, I've missed the expressive physical-to-musical translation than a live instrument provides. I'd been curious about the theremin, so last week when I was watching some YouTube videos and my wife mentioned she wanted one, I had to pounce on the opportunity. I just wonder how long it'll be before we find ourselves needing a second Etherwave? :)
Anyway, it's very clear to me now that human expressiveness is exactly what makes the theremin come to life. Until I got mine, I'd wondered why they don't have more synthesis options; now I realize it's like asking why a motorcycle doesn't have more wheels. :)
