diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -4,6 +4,59 @@ Interactively play along with a MusicXML score using a MIDI instrument.
 
 ![screenshot](screenshot.png)
 
+The core features are
+
+ - **visual hints**: the onscreen keyboard highlights which notes should currently be performed
+ - **follows you**: playback will not continue until the correct notes are performed
+ - **audio feedback**: when an incorrect note is performed, output will use the harpsichord sound bank
+
+Some additional functionality includes:
+
+- start and end measures
+- repetition count
+- tempo selection
+- left and right hand toggles
+- page zoom
+- background color theming
+
+
+## lighted keys
+
+There is support for sending data over a serial port (e.g., USB).
+This can be used to light an LED strip above the physical keyboard, replacing the functionality of the onscreen keyboard.
+
+The API conforms to the following interface
+
+- 0-87: toggle respective note
+- 88: reset (i.e., turn off all notes)
+
+Each command is terminated with a newline character (`\n`).
+
+### example
+
+There's a lot a leeway here but, as a concrete example, the author uses/recommends the following setup:
+
+```
+computer -usb-> microcontroller -wires-> LEDs
+```
+
+The main advantage here is that data and power share this single chain.
+
+Specifically,
+
+- a 60 LED/meter WS8212 strip (~4 meters worth)
+
+  > **NOTE**: this requires putting slight folds in the strip between LEDs to match the keyboard spacing
+
+- a NodeMCU microcontroller (flashed with ESPHome; see [my config](https://gitlab.com/hall/hall/-/blob/25ca6f24ce4ebda511110a3dbfb01665a5a79d46/cluster/esphome/livingroom.nix#L35-69) for inspiration)
+
+- connect the wires from the LED strip to the microcontroller
+
+  - red -> VIN (for 5v power)
+  - white -> GND (ground)
+  - green -> GPIO12 (data)
+
+- select "Connect" in the sidebar and choose your device
 
 ## attribution
 
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