Theremin | Grégoire Blanc (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to learn the theremin? ›

How long does it take to learn the theremin? For playing the theremin it is important to have a good sense of your body and hearing, and to work on a precise playing technique. At the best you can learn a scale in 2 hours with professional guidance. Thus the theremin is not harder to learn than any other instrument.

The theremin is monophonic (it can play only a single note) so it will never enjoy the universal popularity of guitars, keyboards, etc., which are polyphonic. Even violins and cellos can play two notes at once (as well as broken chords) so they are far more versatile musically.

The theremin (/ˈθɛrəmɪn/; originally known as the ætherphone, etherphone, thereminophone or termenvox/ thereminvox) is an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact by the performer (who is known as a thereminist).

No strings, no keys… The theremin is a very unique musical instrument : not only the first electronic one in history, but also the only one that is being played without any contact. The thereminist plays “in the air”, interacting with two electromagnetic fields.

Practicing for a minimum of 45 minutes per day at least 5 days a week is a good start, but practicing up to 90 minutes at a time can allow for some serious work.

The Theremin is a fascinating instrument because it is played without physical contact. Two antennae, one for volume and one for pitch, respond to the hand movements of the performer. It is also one of the hardest instruments to master.

The sound soon found its way into the recording studio, where The Beach Boys and Led Zeppelin used variations of a theremin in landmark songs like “Good Vibrations” and “Whole Lotta Love,” respectively, that are still favorites today.

Some people think the opening of 'Good Night' (the last track on 'The White Album')* uses a theramin for the high note at the beginning of the track, but most Beatles experts agree that it's a human voice.

Clara Rockmore is widely regarded as the greatest Theremin player to have ever lived.

Was the Star Trek theme played on a theremin? ›

Q: Did the original Star Trek theme use a theremin? No. The original theme was sung by soprano Loulie Jean Norman and was not a theremin. Another variation was performed with a violin.

However, the deeper, darker tone and lower pitch of a violin can resemble sounds that humans use to express sadness in speech. This distinctive sound creates a kind of emotional coding for sorrow that resonates deeply within us, and often finds its way into sad scenes in movies.

Erhu - the Chinese Violin

The erhu is one of the most important Chinese instruments, with a history of over 4,000 years. Though it has only two strings, it can convey a wide range of emotions.

The balalaika (Russian: балала́йка, pronounced [bəɫɐˈɫajkə]) is a Russian stringed musical instrument with a characteristic triangular wooden, hollow body, fretted neck, and three strings.

A fire hazard exists if exposed portions of power cord touch each other (in addition to tripping your home circuit breaker). A burn hazard exists if you come in contact with hot vacuum tubes.

You don't need perfect pitch but you need to be able to hear intervals. It helps to have a harp, piano, or even a guitar accompany you. Same goes for vocalists. Guitar or piano chords help you keep your intonation anchored as you sing, play a violin, or play a Theremin.

While it may be challenging to learn guitar within a three-month timeframe, it is indeed possible to make significant progress with dedication, commitment, and appropriate resources.