Ooo maybe my Patreon supporters can get BTS, first release blog post previews? :) *eye emoji*

So I’m very grateful that my 2017 Aussie theremin which has had multiple surgeries, power adaptor replacements and more has been revived! It lives on and I will not replace it unless I absolutely have to. I really appreciate the beautiful Aussie wood, and I’m very grateful to M.S. for fixing my theremin!

above - Roy's work
below- my photo taken at the MCA

This makes me realise how much I’ve been neglecting this instrument as I’ve been so heavily focused on piano since 2018. I’m excited to get closer to the theremin and I’ll also be taking steps to aesthetically freshen it up too! ;)

Recently I’ve also been intrigued by bridges. I’ll share more later, but once I post about my paper, (or if you’ve read it already - it’s in the library)…

I’m in a time of transition [again]. And bridges feel so.. approp r i a  t   e   .     .      .
And let me tell you, there will always be people
who say mean things
or say they can do it better than you

but the truth is in the actions

and all the things I never did

because of one small thing someone said

and that fear, or assumption, that this is not for me.. or that I’m just not good enough at this..


Let me tell you,

don’t ever let anyone, or any of that stop you - and protect your energy

‘cause we don’t know the reasons

people say or do things

but I sure know what I can control and what I’m capable of …

I know I’m not the “best” at everything, but I know I can do anything I set my mind to. And you can too :) <3

• J

​Blog Post 2025 No. 1
Feb 13 11:11pm

I’ve started back on the blogs again.
I think it would be helpful to share with the world, as well as continue this dialogue with myself!

I’ve purchased the latest version of Ableton Live 12 and I’ve transferred all my pre-existing settings over into Templates!

Next I will be working on improving my workflow.

I’ve noticed that my 2012 Mac Pro seems to run hot, and the battery isn’t great anymore. I will be improving the efficiency of my workflow, effects, and pairing with my trusty midi controllers. I’ve also noticed that attaching the cable of my LPD controller to the stand of the theremin allows me to use it more easily on top of the instrument, which I will be doing more of at my performances! :)

For today, I’m happy with the refresher of my Ableton Live skills (flashback to 2017 Summer Intensive Ableton Live course), and I like the new aesthetic design! Also as I am growing, I am getting better at organizing files, and only making projects as needed (now that I can use templates)!

I also downloaded 413 of my unreleased solo piano recordings (Ranging from 7-30 minutes long each) which I’ve been making almost daily since 2020. These are mini improvised compositions.

I hope that through my blog, I’ll be able to keep a record of my creative process as well as stay inspired by regular improvements and updates to my sound (and hopefully inspire someone out there)!

Today I want to give a special shout out to Mr. Simon Trevaks.

From my personal journal..
“I wish Simon Trevaks knew the tremendous impact he’s had on my life as a guitarist , videographer , and all around great guy.”

Simon, everyone who helped film my UIUC audition video for the Masters (til 10pm on a week night in Sydney), Adam, and also Jake here in CU.

Simon, your actions have had a massive flow on effect, and I am so glad we crossed paths! (both at UNSW and having worked at the Scots College)!

Thank you for believing in me (Simon, Adam, Krisjoe, Jake and Jason).

Simon you are a truly remarkable interdisciplinary human being.”

So world, what do you think? More theremin blogs?

With love to you all,

Joy
—

Theremin and Collabs

• Kuroshio Quartet performance at 2019 Immersion Festival (Jason Finkelman, ..) Really enjoyed meeting the quartet, as well as Jake Metz
• Boxout: Tongue Melts release (Singing and Song-writing)
• Theremin Trio (Shubhang beatboxing, Vio Rapping and break-dancing) with Aymen (Videographer)
• Performance highlight: Union with Theremin Trio, Jordan (Boxout),

Other Courses

• I’ve tried to make the most of my Graduate Tuition Scholarship
• First semester: 16 credits, then 19 credits in 2nd sem.
• 4.0 (Straight As with 3 A+) grades maintained, very happy
• Piano Literature (Dr. William Heiles), Grad Music History Review Pre-1750 (Dr. Steven Wilson), Jazz Forum, The Art of Beatmaking (Lamont Holden - The Letter L Beats), Res & Bibliography in Music (Prof. Katherine Syer). 
• I enjoy the flexibility of this degree and all the teaching has been exceptional.

Ensembles:

• 3 jazz combos over the year (Wilson Poffenberger, Jose Guzman, Barkey Bryant (Tito Carillo’s combo)
• Hip-Hop Collective (Prof. Rudolf Haken) (Theremin/piano/singing/rap/production)
• Visiting Improvisors Exchange Masterclasses/guest workshops (Theremin/piano)

Clubs and Societies:

• Electronic Music Club Exec Board
• Learning how to DJ (EMC)
• starting the Music and Fitness Club/ Run Club (more details TBA) w core team: Grace and Marc
• A little bit of involvement with Urbana Dance Company, Illini Swing Society, Dancing Illini. Latin American Dance

Friends

• Jen, Jinyou, Gaeun
• Dima
• All my friends who come and support my gigs

Exploring Campus

• Living with Snow for the first time

​
Mentors

• My professors (especially Dr. Sennet and Chip Stephens)
• Dr Moorhouse
• Dr Mrs Peterson

Challenges

• Hand Injury from biking around Chicago- then Emergency Room trip plus $$$. Couldn’t play piano for 3 weeks at the start of my first semester. Thankfully UIUC has a injured musicians clinic which helped me alot. It was fully recovered by a month and I am extremely grateful.
• March audition for 2nd year’s scholarship

Life lessons/growth

• Particularly over the Summer break, I’ve become more interested in learning how to cook

​
Travel:

• Chicago trip with David
• Thanksgiving in Minnesota
• Mid-West Clinic in Chicago + trip
• Spring break in Chicago by myself

Where next?
Upcoming Collabs:

• Jazz guitar/keys duo with Chris Hartley,
• Properly recording Wake Up with Prof. Haken (electric violin)

​
SYDNEY updates to keep an eye on:

• Release w/ Luke & Jen
• Valkyrie Trio
• Personal piano videos
• VJIN videos

History and inspiration is the theme of my 10th week. 
S linked me this: 
Pamelia Kurstin: The untouchable music of the theremin

Kurstin's absolutely beautiful playing inspired some take-aways for me:

• Adjusting
• Listening
• Need to be still
• Breathing can affect
• Double bass- I really want to learn how, it was also a quick transition
• Play more jazz pieces/standards
• I will change it up more with variety (eg. fx)
• About the history - it's useful for presentation. Probably a good idea to play first then explain the history.
• Wondering if she uses certain hand movements from a learnt technique or her own invention? 
• Also RH // dynamics hand doing the bass plucking like gestures - I'd like to try

Earlier theremin session this week on Friday - working with Ableton Push. I enjoyed using it together, there is a lot of detail I can go into. 

I plan on watching this theremin documentary and will let you know what I think!
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey

Experimenting with looping, soundscapes, textures and effects.
​​
x Joy

x Joy ​

Something interesting to note, is that I found the tuner on Guitar Rig. Previously I had mostly relied on my perfect/absolute pitch (as well as visual/spatial memory). Although it was interesting to be able to see which note I was playing, it ended up causing more anxiety than being helpful.

​The theremin is so sensitive that to be able to hold the exact pitch without shifting a little is very difficult, and watching the scale made me more worried. I think I may try this again later when I have improved, in order to test my pitch accuracy and stability.

Watch my progress video:

Playing with textures and effects.

Listen to the track on soundcloud here: