Why Singers Remain Open-Eyed: Enhancing Connection and Performance
Most people have witnessed or participated in a performance where a singer gleefully or powerfully lets it all out – only to close their eyes. For some, closing their eyes can enhance the intimate and emotional experience. Others, however, like the renowned singer and guitarist mentioned in this article, maintain an open-eyed approach. In this piece, we explore the reasons behind why many choose to open their eyes while singing, focusing on the benefits of maintaining connection with the audience, emotional expression, and vocal technique.
Focus and Concentration
Closing the eyes during performance can indeed offer a state of profound focus. After all, singing, like any art form, requires intense concentration, particularly when it comes to vocal technique and emotional delivery. By eliminating the visual distractions of the surrounding environment, a singer can more effectively immerse themselves in the performance, enhancing their control and delivery. This focus allows for a better alignment between the physical and emotional elements necessary for a powerful vocal performance.
Emotional Connection and Storytelling
One of the most compelling reasons singers maintain their open eyes is to enhance the emotional connection with an audience. As the famous singer mentioned, feedback from the audience is an integral part of the storytelling process. The eyes play a crucial role in this, as they convey a different narrative beyond mere words. Maintaining eye contact with the audience not only strengthens the emotional bond but also creates a sense of intimacy and shared experience. For singers whose performances are about emotional depth and authenticity, keeping their eyes open is a vital component in achieving this goal.
Breath Control and Vocal Technique
Proper breath control is a cornerstone of good singing. For some vocalists, closing their eyes can hinder the ability to manage breath effectively. By keeping eyes open, a singer can remain fully aware of their breathing and vocal support, ensuring that every note is impeccably controlled. The conscious awareness of the breath helps in maintaining the steady flow of air necessary for sustained melodies and powerful deliveries. Moreover, the act of keeping the eyes open can serve as a reminder to stay present and focused on the performance at hand. This mindfulness can lead to improved vocal technique and a more polished delivery.
The Influence of Coaching and Experience
It is worth noting that the expertise of vocal coaches can profoundly influence a singer's approach. The renowned Judy Davis, a decades-long vocal coach to luminaries such as Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, and many more, emphasized the importance of keeping eyes open and breathing properly. Her advice resonates with the real-life experiences of many accomplished singers who prioritize these aspects for overall performance quality. These coaches stress that keeping eyes open fosters a connection to the audience and supports the emotional depth required for a powerful and authentic performance.
One of the most significant roles of maintaining eye contact is to convey the emotional core of a song. When a singer allows intense emotions to well up and decides to open their eyes, they step forward into the performance space, connecting with the audience on a deeper level. This approach ensures that the audience can see the passion, the expression, and the emotional intensity that lies behind the words. The physical act of keeping the eyes open symbolizes the openness and vulnerability that great performances demand. It’s more than just a technique; it’s a profound way to adhere to the song's narrative and personalization.
Personal Reflections of a Singer-Guitarist
As a singer and guitarist, the author wants to share the authentic, unfiltered emotion of their performance. They believe that closing one's eyes cuts off the connection with the audience, creating a barrier to the true expression of the performance. This perspective aligns with the teachings of Judy Davis and her protégé, Grant Taylor, who advocate the importance of remaining connected to the story and the audience throughout the performance. The value of eye contact and vocal technique forms the foundation of a captivating and emotionally resonant performance. Keeping eyes open ensures that the audience can witness the genuine emotion of the performance, paying tribute to the heart and soul of the song.
Conclusion
The choice between closing or remaining open-eyed during a performance is a matter of personal technique, emotional connection, and storytelling. Whether a singer chooses to close their eyes to tap into their innermost emotions or keeps them open to maintain a powerful connection with the audience, the final goal should always be to deliver a performance that resonates with truth and authenticity. True mastery in singing lies in balancing the technical aspects with the emotional and visual elements, ensuring that the performance becomes a true reflection of the song's essence and the singer's connection to it.
In summary, the act of keeping eyes open while singing is not merely a habit; it is a vital component of creating a deeply engaging and authentic performance. It is a reflection of the singer's commitment to connection, emotion, and technique, and ultimately, to the transformative power of music.