The awesome Pamelia Kurstin performing at TED!

SHe discusses the theremin and performs Autumn Leaves, Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life and a composition by David Mash, Listen: the Words Are Gone. Piano: Makoto Ozone

Born in Los Angeles, Kurstin currently resides in Vienna, and performs with acclaimed eccentric rockers Barbez, among many others. Her latest solo CD, Thinking Out Loud, was released in 2007 on John Zorn’s Tzadik label.

Kurstin is delightful in person and a bit goofy/freaky, too. If you’re brave, she’ll teach you the theremin and cut your hair:

i’m available for private lessons in Vienna or wherever i may be on tour or visiting. if you’re daring, i also give haircuts!

all levels, ages, and creatures are welcome for lessons. for hair cuts, i usually do best with shorter hair. if you have a small dog, it’s totally welcome for hanging out and getting a haircut too… maybe even a bath if i can find a hose outside!

you don’t have to have perfect pitch to play theremin. whoever told you that, i would like to have a word with him/her about this BULLSH*T idea of ‘PERFECT PITCH’… ” hey, psst pssst, think RELATIVE PITCH… and don’t you be fakin’ that headache from something being ‘out of tune’… just shut up!!!” so anyhooo, you don’t have to bring scissors, i have these paper-cutting scissors that work just fine. if you bring your dog, i’ll show you where he can poop outside and you don’t have to pick it up!!!