The New York Theremin Society and Pioneer Works invite musicians of all skill levels, instrumentation, and genres to explore motion and music while learning the technical aspects of the theremin. Invented in 1919, it was the first electronic instrument, generating sound without being touched.

Born out of the Paris Conservatory’s master classes of the 1800’s, which offered students, teachers and audience members the chance to witness skilled performers improve technique and musicality, this mixed-level class of theremin players will learn proper positioning, calibration, basic exercises for both hands, and repertoire from master theremin teacher Dorit Chrysler.

This is a mixed-level class with a set capacity of 20 class participants and 50 class observers. Class observers will be able to observe the class at a reduced rate. Since there will be a limited number of Moog Music Theremins, we invite participants to bring their own Theremin and amp for a reduced rate.

Participant level: This class is ideal for musicians interested in expanding their musical skills and for theremin players interested in deepening their practice.

Required materials: All class participants are asked to bring their own headphones and, if applicable, a Moog Music Theremin and amp.

Dorit Chrysler is an Austrian-born composer, musicologist, and sound artist. She is the co-founder and creative director of the New York Theremin Society, a nonprofit platform to support theremin applications in various art disciplines. The founder of Dame Electric, a festival dedicated to female pioneers in electronic music, Chrysler is the recipient of the Austrian Composition State Stipend 2023. She has performed worldwide at venues including Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Coachella, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and in sound commissions for the Museum of Modern Art, New York (Calder Plays Theremin), Klang Festival, Siemens Foundation, and the Venice Biennale. She has also appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony on several occasions; has been teaching a developed curriculum about theremin playing strategies for two decades; and has participated in residencies including the Gaite Lyrique Paris and Pioneer Works.

Members receive 15% off all workshops by entering their discount code at checkout. If you need the code, please email us at members@pioneerworks.org.

This class is part of Continuing Education, our adult education program that provides an opportunity for participants to learn from our current and alumni Artists-in-Residence and intimately engage with their work through accessible entry points.