How is the theremin played without touching the instrument?

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The theremin is played without physical contact by utilizing the player's hand movements to manipulate electromagnetic fields. The instrument contains radio tubes that generate two high-frequency oscillations beyond the range of human hearing. When these frequencies interact, they produce an audible tone based on the difference between their vibration rates.1

To control the sound, the performer moves their hand or a baton toward or away from an antenna located at the right rear of the instrument. This proximity alters one of the inaudible frequencies, which in turn changes the pitch of the audible sound. By precisely positioning their hands within the space surrounding the antenna, the player can navigate a range of six octaves and produce various tone colours.1