Virtual Theremin is a website and downloadable simulation by the BBC that provides an introduction to the history, physics and operation of the Theremin, an early electronic music instrument. The website is divided into six pages entitled: The Virtual Theremin - Download (how to download and use it), History, Operation, The Player (how the Theremin is performed), Soundwaves and Where Next? Most of the pages include Macromedia Shockwave 8 movie clips that accompany the text. The highlight of the site is a "Virtual Theremin" application/simulation that students can download and play. By moving the computer mouse in the vertical and horizontal planes, one causes Professor Theremin's arms to move in relation to the antennae of the Theremin, thus causing the sound to change.
Type of Material:
A complete lesson or instructional component including a simulation.
Recommended Uses:
This site should be used as a simulation/demonstration.
Technical Requirements:
Macromedia Shockwave 8 is required for the use of the video clips and the virtual theremin.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The major learning goals of this site are to make students familiar with the basic history, physics, operation and performance technique of the Theremin.
Target Student Population:
This site would be an appropriate learning module for music humanities and first year music history students. While the site is a self-contained lesson, it would be most effective if it were used as an addendum to a larger discussion of the history of electronic music or the use and development of technology in the music of the 20th Century. The introductory nature and lack of depth of the material would limit its use for more advanced students,
nevertheless, the site may also be useful to music technology students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic computer and internet skills are the only prerequisite knowledge needed to access and use this site.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The site contains a number of interesting facts about the Theremin, its history and how it is played. The downloadable simulation allows the user to try their "hand" at playing the Theremin. The moving arms of Leon Theremin in the simulation add a nice realism to the concept of playing the instrument.
Concerns:
The pitch moves in steps instead of the continuous glissando of a real Theremin. The New Age grooves, sound effects and "Weirdness" slider, although fun, are not found on the actual instrument. The text has grammatical and spelling errors, and in its effort to be entertaining uses slang. The text does not explain any concept in great detail and the site does not provide students with references for further research. The page devoted to soundwaves is a poorly written explanation. The last topic "Where Next" is a very brief discussion of the potential use of sound in healing and its use as a weapon. The connection between this page and the rest of the site is tenuous.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The site is an engaging exploration of this early electronic musical instrument. As a point of departure it could be useful in generating interest and excitement with students learning about early synthesizers.
Concerns:
Limited content is the main weakness of this site as a teaching tool. If the learning goal is narrowly defined as an overview or introduction to the Theremin, then the site is useful and reasonably effective. If the goal is broader or deeper, as in using the site as an introduction to early electronic instruments or in a detailed understanding of the Theremin, then the site is of only limited use and effectiveness.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This site is easy to use for both students and teachers. The website and simulation interfaces are straight-forward and well-designed. Each page of the website includes an interactive component. The information is clearly organized into separate pages for each topic.
Concerns:
Trying to quit the simulation program is somewhat confusing.
Creative Commons:
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