​ After seeing Tennyson last week @ the Hudson Ballroom, Sydney, I was left feeling so inspired and re-energised. They were absolutely amazing.

However, on Monday, at Sound Lab, I was feeling quite stuck. Perhaps this was due just having been exposed to such great music and feeling a sense of incompetence and disdain for everything that I have created so far. I felt a lack of motivation to work on my music and wanted to start over.

In this tricky situation, I asked for some advice and gave my track that I had been working on a break this week, and shifted my focus.

• I recorded the theremin. I also did an arrangement view recording of my track for SL.
• I spoke to A about using a low pass filter and delay.
• I also experimented more with sounds.
• I spoke to some people about the theremin gig and they are keen to come. I am feeling more positive about the Theremin. 

Here are some of my effects (Komplete): 

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:

x Joy

On April 7, I will potentially be performing Theremin at a studio in Marrickville.

Things to do before then include:

• Sourcing a Theremin
• Compiling a set
• Research more videos of other people playing Theremin
• Research more about theremin playing techniques
• Ask A for help

Things I am considering:

• Having a more relaxed technique (e.g. shoulders)

Progress this week included:

• Recording the theremin and creating effects (with Ableton Live)
• In the second session, I focused more on my technique

Current setup:
I am now running through the PA with a DI box, instead of an Amp. This works well with the new portable effects on my laptop.

Watch my progress video:

x Joy

And we are making progress...

This week I have been working on my face. Yes, using the reflection in the recording studio to see how I can improve the visual element of my playing. One of the great things I learnt in America whilst studying under the guidance of Dr. P in Advanced Wind Band Conducting and Rehearsal Strategies, was the importance of one's facial expressions. Nonetheless, it's very difficult (especially when I am focusing so hard on many other things). This shows a greater need for individual attention and practice in this area.

I received helpful feedback from S about the effectiveness of suddenly approaching a note with confidence (rather than easing into it and sliding as I was previously doing). Some links have been drawn between the theremin and the electric guitar.

I also worked on the pentatonic and whole tone scale during my practice, which sounds good with many of my original tracks.

Some things to try for next time:

• linking up the Theremin and recording it into Ableton in order to make my own portable effects rack. This way I can use any amp and have a variety of pre-made effects (at home) to bring with me.
• Many thoughts discussed in the video tutorial/practice session.

Current settings on the amp:

Watch my progress video:

More rigorous practice today in an attempt to develop a more stable technique.

• Scales
• Intervals
• Different articulation 
• Sliding
• Arpeggios

For next time:

• Prepare by watching videos and finding good tutorials to try out different techniques in different situations
• Try with more originals and sound effects

I'm excited to see what will happen next. Stay tuned ;) 

Current settings:

Watch my progress videos:

​Developing technique// Playing with one of my original tracks// Solo - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Developing a routine for technique // Playing with two of my original tracks (sneak preview) // surprise @ the end

After an amazing performance by Hikashu last night @ The Foundry 616, I was inspired to try out some new techniques on the theremin. 
​​
Here's a short example:

• Using the space around the theremin (e.g. discovering the 'circle' - perhaps same note on the radius around the antenna, as well as above and below - different tone colour)
• Different hand motions and techniques as well as speed
• Using perhaps the microphone stand or something in the center/as a measuring point/distance
• Thinking of perhaps measuring out the semitones and drawing concentric circles on a piece of paper to be placed on the theremin (wooden part)
• Using objects to create sounds (e.g. tried with a card- it works to create dynamic fluctuations in the left hand)

​These are the current settings on the theremin and amp:

Watch my progress videos:

First session of Week 2. Exploring movement and sound. Attempting to play a tune.

Second session this week. This time, playing with one of my original electronic tracks. 

​x Joy

​P.S. I saw Koichi Makigami play the Jew's Harp for the first time last night. Loving the sounds it can make, especially with effects pedals. Check it out here. 

More Hikashu:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMxeFcejfWs
Hikashu Appreciation Society 
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-wild-eclectic-world-of-koichi-makigamis-hikashu-band-by-eyal-hareuveni.php