“Light harps” - Playing with Lasers

Light harps are interactive art installations that use laser beams to detect motion which, in turn, play corresponding musical tones. Jen Lewin, who created the instrument below, has been building light harps for the past 12 years. Her work has varied from indoor musical laser sculptures to on-stage performance pieces and outdoor installations.

This light harp uses sophisticated motion detection to accurately mimic the player’s movement with sound. From Jen’s website:

“My light harps are not simple “on/off” devices…. When a user breaks a beam, the harps are able to tell how fast the person is moving and the height of their hand. This information allows my software to create complex and soft sounds that swell, and grow over time.”

The musical sculpture above was built for Burning Man 2005. It has 60 strings and is meant for many users to play simultaneously. It is waterproof and weatherproof with the purpose of being played by the general public in outdoor spaces.

The light harp below was also invented by Jen Lewin and is called the Long Harp. This made-to-order harp is 10′ tall x 32′ long and has 60 lasers.

I would like to hear a light harp in the rain. Pretty please

Source: Jen Lewin at blueink.com