Musician and software developer Zacharías Vamvakousis is looking for ways to make the computer program he developed more affordable and accessible. The program allows you to play music by moving your eyes or head. The EyeHarp acts as a digital instrument. It was developed 10 years ago, while Zachariás was doing his Masters in Sound and Music Computing at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, ​​Spain, to help quadriplegics and people with other disabilities play an instrument.

On February 24th, the project was presented to potential stakeholders at the Zero Project technology conference. The crowd-funding campaign launched by the creator ended on January 4th, but donations can still be made through the official EyeHarp website.

The program requires the installment of an eye-tracking camera. Through movements of the eyes or head, the user controls a circle of colors that each correspond to a musical chord. By selecting chords in a certain sequence it is possible to play a song.

Since its launch, the program has had more than 650 users. But Zacharías predicts that up to 50 million could benefit from the technology. The free version of the software is currently available with piano sounds. The paid version – which costs 150 euros per year (about 800 reais) – has sounds from 20 different instruments as well as exercises.

1) Which statement is correct?

a) The program allows people to play instruments with eyes and head movements.

b) The program teaches you how to play music.

c) The program plays songs for you.

d) The program has nothing to do with music.

2) Is music important for your wellbeing and that of the people you know? How so?

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