Play / Learn to Play
Learn To Play the Theremin
Here's a long list of method books, videos, DVDs, and other instructional materials for helping you learn to play the theremin. Remember, practice makes perfect!
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Roger Ballenger's MIDI files for Clara Rockmore's method book
Roger has kindly made available a series of MIDI files based on Clara Rockmore's method book for the theremin. While you're at it, don't forget to check out his website. A special thanks to Erik Strommen for bringing these to our attention.
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Learn Perfect Pitch Online at Prolobe.com
This website offers online lessons and contests aimed at helping you learn perfect pitch, an invaluable skill for the serious thereminist.
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Lydia Kavina: Mastering the Theremin
A video by Lydia Kavina that illustrates basic and advanced theremin playing technique.
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Lydia Kavina: Upcoming workshops and master classes
Learn from the great niece of Leon Theremin herself! Lydia Kavina teaches master classes around the world. This site contains her latest schedule of upcoming workshops.
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Good Ear - free online ear training website
A free online tool for ear-training
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Carolina Eyck - The Art of Playing the Theremin
Carolina Eyck's long awaited theremin method book is now available in both German and English editions.
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Clara Rockmore - World's Greatest Theremin Virtuosa
A classic many thereminists return to again and again. This documentary produced by Bob Moog presents the most footage of Clara Rockmore playing available today. The DVD also contains Mastering the Theremin" with Lydia Kavina.
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Aerial Fingering Technique
ThereminWorld Theremin Technique Forum and Aerial Fingering Topic contain a tremendous amount of information on how to play the Theremin.
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Moog EtherWave Standard User Manual
The Moog EtherWave Standard User Manual contains a great section on the basics of playing the theremin.
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Clara Rockmore: Method for the Theremin, by Clara Rockmore
A free updated edition of Clara Rockmore's original method book for the theremin at Spellbound. You'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this book.
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Estrada: Progressive Exercises for Theremin Volume
A new English version of Victor Estrada's helpful theremin method book tranlated by Alan Barbour.
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Estrada: Ejercicios progresivos para Theremin (PDF)
A full color theremin method book in Spanish by Victor Estrada.
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The Beat Frequency Method!
The first of its kind: A non-melodic sonic exploratory Theremin Method by Gordon Charlton, Beat Frequency artist.
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Ten Concert Pieces for Cello and Piano
Originally designed for cello, but perfect for the theremin!. Includes 2 songs on the Clara Rockmore album, "The Art of the Theremin". Includes a high-quality printed music score and a compact disc containing a complete performance with soloist; then a second version with the piano accompaniment, minus you, the soloist. Published by Music Minus One. (MMO-CD-3704)
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Updated Accompaniment files for Rockmore Method for Theremin
The Midi files listed below on my website are no longer available, and were difficult to use. I've since made .mp3 versions of the backtracks. They are available with and without the theremin part sounding, so that if you are not a music reader, you can still use the files.
The files are all free, so, happy practicing.
Roger Ballenger -
Theremin Lessons DVD
DVD compilation of video theremin lessons by Thomas Grillo. Theremin Lessons is a full 16 by 9 aspect production, which runs nearly an hour and a half.
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Theremin Learning Book (Japanese)
A softcover book about learning the theremin, written in Japanese. If you have this book and would like to write a review for us, please get in touch!
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Mastering the Theremin- Russian version
Mastering the Theremin by Lydia Kavina ??-?????? - Russian version
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Fundamentals of Vibrato by Kip Rosser
Kip shares his thoughts on how to achieve great vibrato in this video on YouTube
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Advanced Techniques for the Theremin by Peter Pringle
Peter Pringle produced a set of videos for learning advanced theremin playing techniques. A must-see for anyone serious about performing music on the theremin!
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Helpful Music Games
A collection of links to resources for learning music theory, notation, ear training, and more!