15
GETTING STARTED - CLASSIC THEREMIN
1. Set your Etherwave Theremin controls to the above knob positions.
2. Stand facing the front panel of your Etherwave Theremin with your body about 12” back and
slightly left of center.
3. Your belly button should be in line with the left edge of the front panel.
4. Adjust your position so that you are about an arm’s length away from the Pitch Antenna.
5. Place your legs slightly apart to keep your body as still as possible.
6. Relax your shoulders and drop your elbows to your waist.
7. Hold your left hand just above the loop of the Volume Antenna, while positioning your right hand
in a rest position with your pointer finger resting on your thumb (as shown on the far right in the
illustration below).
8. Slowly raise your left hand up to hear your Etherwave Theremin.
Notice that it only takes incredibly small movements with your pitch hand to articulate a wide range
of notes. Subtly moving a knuckle or slightly extending your pinky is all that is required to move to the
next note, while opening your fist and spreading out your fingers can raise the pitch of your Etherwave
Theremin a full octave. If you find that your pitch sensitivity range is too small or too big for you to
easily control, you can adjust the PITCH RANGE knob (page 20) to specify the playing range.
Clara Rockmore, widely regarded as the most skillful thereminist in history, utilized a technique with
tiny knuckle extensions. She would start with a loosely closed fist, uncurling her pinky, ring, and middle
fingers outward in small steps while keeping her index finger resting on the thumb. As a beginning
player, this is a good place to start.
NOTE: Avoid large, forceful hand gestures, and focus on light, delicate movements. Imagine tickling butterflies
rather than clutching guitar strings.
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