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. 
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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

I first heard of this interesting instrument on wintery snow-storm kind of night in Chicago, December 2016. It was minus 20 degrees Celsius and we were snuggled up in a glowing Champagne bar (see what I did there). The bass player from the jazz trio introduced this 'magical' instrument to me. Astonished, it was hard for me to believe it actually existed...

Fast forward three months, I actually stumble upon the opportunity to learn it during my studies in Sound Lab at UNSW. This series of posts will aim to reflect on my interactions with the Theremin, evaluate and identify areas for improvement.

The theremin was first invented by Lev Termin (aka. Léon Theremin) around 1919. 

Here you can hear him playing it.

Apparently string players can have a natural talent for this. What do you think? Here is an amazing performance by Clara Rockmore (one of the best IMO):

It is the only musical instrument you can play without touching. Note that Clara is not singing but the sound is produced from the movement between her and the instrument. What an amazing sound! 
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As this project is largely self-directed, here are some things I found interesting about playing the theremin for the first time:

• How sensitive it is
• Adjusting to the amount of space between notes
• How hard it is for me to stay completely still with my arm raised, and how to work with this (e.g. move for vibrato)
• Importance of audiating (hearing the sound) and visualising the distance between them/intervals before I play it. This means I must not only know the notes in the desired melody, but also the exact intervals.
• It sounds so much better when the left hand adds dynamics, phrasing and articulation. Sounds more like music rather than just a continuous noise. This reminds me to think more like a singer and take time to 'breathe'.

Things to work on next time/consider:

• Experimenting more and establishing a suitable technique for my musical goals
• Testing different amps and pedals/effects
• Improve left hand control and best distance for phrasing
• Relaxing more, would a different posture/height be more helpful? E.g. what is the most natural position for the arm/hand?

Feel free to follow my "Theremin Obsession" playlist on YouTube.

x Joy

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P.S. Have you ever heard of the Musical Saw? Thanks GH for introducing me to this during a break at the Meter Symposium @ the Sydney Con last weekend.