First of all, I should tell you that I am still learning to play the theremin myself and you should take any advice I give with a grain o' salt. Also, knowing how to play another instrument, or at least knowing a good bit about music, helps greatly. All that is on this page is from my experiences teaching myself to play to if you have an easier method please tell me.
Also, before you play you may want to find that perfect tone for your instrument. If so check out David Miller's Page.
p l a y i n g
Playing the theremin is hard. Most people discover this soon after they try. Having no reference for the placement of notes makes it no easier. As stated earlier on the other page, many consider Clara Rockmore as the only person to gain true mastery of the instrument. But, first things first. You should first learn the very basics.
As you may already know, as you approach the pitch antenna, on the right of the instrument, the pitch increases. As your hand is drawn toward the volume antenna the volume decreases.
Once you get that whole incredibly complicated mess behind you try to pick out a note, then, slowly move up to the same note an octave above. Then go up yet another octave. This may take some time but once you get used to it, you get to where it's rather easy.
Naw that you can play octaves you need to learn to play the notes in between them, namely: a scale. The way I learned to play scales was to first think of this: a scale is a series of whole steps between notes except in between the 3 and 4 and in between the 7 and 8 (or the 1). This effects the distance your hand travels to get to the next note. Obviously, you don't move as far for a half step as you do for a whole step. Diagram:
Like Lydia Kavina says in her video, make sure you pay attention to how far the distance is betwixt the notes. Play scales until you become proficient at it. It, like all other things theremin, is not easy at first. You may find yourself slipping and sliding through about ten octaves at first but you'll get used to it. Learning this instrument takes a lot of patience. And we all know that I'm nowhere actually being good.
As, I get better I hope to add more to this page, but, like I said before, I am merely a novice at this time ( I only got my Etherwave recently). Check back soon.
contact me at ojo97@hotmail.com