A few days ago I had the pleasure of coaching a solid folk performer with decades of performing experience. He knew a lot about his craft: great singer, guitarist and songwriter. However, he was missing some opportunities to connect better with his audience. It had to do with his mindset when he delivered his songs. Too often he was asking the audience “come to him” rather than reaching out and “embracing” the audience. The latter is more work, but is infinitely more satisfying to everyone involved! My client and I agreed on a number of ways he might be able to change his internal thought patterns and this week, while on tour, he’ll put these to the test.
One of the places he was losing his connectedness with his audience was during instrumental interludes. That’s when he would just fade away into his own little world, with his eyes closed. He confessed that’s exactly how it felt to him. He went into his own happy place for a while and enjoyed hearing his guitar. You might think the connection was lost only because he had closed his eyes. Not so. It’s possible to close your eyes but stay connected and “present” with your people. You just can’t forget that you’re there to serve them, not yourself.
Music coaches of all genres are always asked about the eyes: open or closed? What’s right? What’s best? The initial answer should be: It depends. And the question should be: Why are you closing your eyes? There are good reasons to close them. (Emotion.) There are bad reasons to close them. (Nerves.) Closing your eyes should be a part of your expression, and your expressions should serve the meaning of the song.