An Eccentric Electric Instrument:

THE THEREMIN Evans Johnson, Robert Lee, Michael Marquette, and Josh Stone

Dianne Phillips – PHSC 2004

Introduction

The Theremin is an instrument developed by Russian inventor Leon Theremin in the early 20th century. It has been featured in songs by notable artists such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Cake, and The White Stripes. Although the sound produced is distinct, most people are unaware of its source, and it was our endeavor to educate them.

Overview

Theremins incorporate several aspects in the field of physics. These include circuits, radio waves, electromagnetic fields, and capacitors. Not only will we demonstrate how to play this instrument, but will also elaborate upon the science that makes it work. Our team will develop a hands on demonstration and activity to help Introduction to Physical Science students in their understanding of the physics of electromagnetism and sound.

Community

The academic community at NWACC was served through the teaching of certain basic principles of physics through a medium that is both fun and interesting.

Curriculum

What a Theremin is?

The physics that powers the instrument.

The history of the instrument and its inventor.

The basic idea of playing the instrument.

STUDENTS LEARNED:

Technology

• Musical instruments – Theremin, amplifier, and pedal tuner.

• Computer – Internet, PowerPoint, and flash drive.

• Camera – We used an iPhone as a camera.

Skill Developing

We learned how hard individual

work can translate into

good team work.

We learned how to hold each

other accountable for our individual

responsibilities.

We refined our PowerPoint

making abilities.

How to develop an effective lesson plan.

Methodology

• Robert – Slide show and researching how the instrument is played.

• Josh – Researching the history of the instrument and its inventor.

• Michael & Evans – Researching the physics behind the instrument.

• All collaborated to produce lesson plan.

Project Results

• Informative PowerPoint on the Theremin.

• Instructional Video - Youtube

• Lesson plan explaining the physics of the Theremin.

• Knowledge: We understand the electromagnetic interactions which allows the Theremin to produce sound. This project was really neat for us because the Theremin has actually been in many famous songs, we just did not know it. Now when we hear that sound, we know what is going down.

Instructional Video

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf_9o5H4yN0

Future Project Idea

• A future project idea might be to expand on Leon Theremin’s original idea of using the Theremin as an anti-burglary measure.

• Perhaps it would prevent cat burglars such as this one from stealing all your swag.

Acknowledgements

• Prof. Dianne Phillips provided us with a Theremin for this project, which she said was donated to her by Dr. William Hammack, Math Instructor, NWACC.

• The NWACC Police let us in the EAST/EMPACTS room on a weekend to do our project.

• We’d also like to thank those that had to put up with the awful sound that we produced from not knowing how to play the Theremin, but trying really hard to anyway.

References

http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608000933/Leon-Theremin.html

http://www.123helpme.com/physics-of-the-theremin-musical-instrument-view.asp?id=153567