Singing with eyes shut: a good idea?

In any discipline, doing things with eyes closed is a sign of mastery of one’s art. But in the context of singing, this reflex can also mark a moment of intense emotion that can create a divide with one’s public if done too much or for too long.

Here, for your eyes only, is an explanation of what incites us to sing with eyes shut and some tips to buck it.

What causes us to close our eyes?

Creating a bubble

When we close our eyes, we do it to fully absorb the music and immerse ourselves in the song. Closing our eyes permits us to shut out any distraction around us, in the case of singing, the public. It’s rather paradoxical because being on stage is above all singing for the public, and often, the public appreciates it when the artist creates a bubble of total immersion in the song. A receptive and respectful public can assimilate into the artist’s bubble without interfering and risking it popping.

Visualising the music

Closing the eyes is a way to visualize what one is singing, giving it form and meaning and in creating a universe that is influenced by words. In short, closings one’s eyes gives sense to the words.

Focusing on one sense

Consider the senses, sight being one of the main five. Instinct, though, can also be considered as a type of sense. Should instinct interrupt one of the main five senses, man is likely to put a predominant sense, like sight, on hold. A study at Royal Holloway, University of London, recently revealed that when a kiss is exchanged, a person who systematically closes his eyes, shows that the body spontaneously knows that it cannot handle the visual spectrum and touch at the same time. With song, it's the same!

Breaking free

Closing your eyes is also a way to break free from the rhythmic guides, from a screen with lyrics scrolling in the case of karaoke, or from the movement of other musicians. A great example is French singer Charles Aznavour, who often closes his eyes in an effort to free himself rhythmically and physically from other musicians.

Careful to not close your eyes too much!

Remember, you are not alone!

When you close your eyes, this moment of isolation, of grace if all goes well, is up to you to master and to regulate in duration…. it shouldn’t last forever. Closing your eyes completely cuts you off from your public. Similar to a theatrical monologue, you are there to interact with your public, via your interpretation of the music, your movement, your looks, etc.
Keep in mind that even if the audience is receptive, it will still only meet you halfway and the other half is up to you. A pause along the way is acceptable but taking a nap is not!

Don’t overemphasize

Poets and actors alike sometimes overplay emotion by closing their eyes to feign emotion. A public cannot be duped; they have an innate radar to sincerity. Avoid diva-type gestures as song and theater do not always mix.

Some tips

Keep the public’s attention

The moments when you close your eyes are yours and yours only, but do your best to keep a connection with the public. This thread can break at any moment and keeping contact is a way for the public to refocus their attention on you. You are certainly not obliged to look at each spectator individually, but try to find a middle ground between blissful introspection and intense staring. Keep in mind that a singer peering into each spectator's eyes may be just as unsettling as not looking at all.

Evacuate stress

Closing your eyes too often can be a sign of excessive nervousness and a means of forgetting that all eyes are upon you. Try not to think too much, it’s the easiest way to stay naturally you!

The four squares technique

A simple technique that makes it seem like you aren’t forgetting a single person without singling out each eye: mentally divide the room into four imaginary squares and look at them one after the other.

Mirror mirror on the wall

Practice singing at home in front of a mirror with your eyes open. You will not be judged (unless you are queen of an imaginary country and you have a bugaboo with Snow White).

Published on: May 4, 2017