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

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...