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The Visual Theremin is an open-source gesture-controlled musical instrument inspired by Léon Theremin’s invention, the Theremin.
This project uses TouchDesigner, Max/MSP, and MediaPipe to turn physical movement into expressive sound. By waving, stepping, or gesturing in space, performers create real-time audio and visual responses — essentially playing an invisible, immersive instrument.
This wiki documents the design, development, philosophy, and implementation of the Visual Theremin from the ground up.
New to the project? Start with the following pages:
- 🧰 Setup Guide – Hardware & software requirements
- 🖥 System Overview – How TouchDesigner and Max/MSP communicate
- 🛠 Known Issues – Bugs, limitations, and troubleshooting
- Reconstruct a historically significant but obscure instrument using modern tools
- Encourage alternative instrument design through open-source collaboration
- Create a flexible platform for movement-based performance, education, and experimentation
- Provide a resource for artists, musicians, and technologists to build upon
| Tool | Role |
|---|---|
| TouchDesigner | Tracks motion via camera + sends OSC |
| Max/MSP | Synthesizes sound from motion data |
| Infrared Camera | Captures gestures invisibly, in any light |
| OSC | Bridges data between visual & sound systems |
This project creates space for new performances, new sounds, and new kinds of embodiment in electronic art.
- Check the Contributing Guide
- Review open Issues
- Join the creative conversation by suggesting features, sharing demos, or expanding documentation
Coming soon:
- Video walkthroughs of performance setups
- Example recordings and presets
- Diagrams, screenshots, and interactive demos
“I hope it inspires you to move, build, and make sound with your whole body.”
— Nickalus Lindale
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Project Roadmap
The History of the Theremin
About the Designer
References
Tutorials and Helpful Resources
Contributing