“Below 58 BPM,” involving real-time monitoring and self-medication practices in music performance through IoT technology

Abstract

The project presented in this paper illustrates the design process for the development of an IoT system that monitors a specific bio-metric parameter (heart rate) in real time and provides feedback for an opera singer, as well as adding effects that manipulate the sounds emitted by the body during a self-healing practice. This allows the singer to rest and alternate opera singing techniques (which is very demanding) with other less demanding singing techniques and even a self-healing session in case of necessity during a performance. The case study presented in this paper has been developed with and for Eleonora Amianto, an opera singer who suffered from a carotid aneurysm. We performed an idiographic design process, closely collaborating with Eleonora, and developed a wearable IoT that suited her health and artistic needs. In the design of the system, we explore the intersection between self-healthcare and performative arts, focusing on the use of an Internet of Musical Things (IoMusT) system to implement medical prevention and treatment practices in an art performance. The system is developed using open-source tools, allowing for easy replication and improvement, as well as reducing risks of obsolescence and costs of updating. We complement a formal evaluation session with field notes collected during the design phase. We could observe a positive effect of the system on Eleonora's practice and its potential applications within different performative scenarios.