Oct 4, 2023
The episode emphasizes the power of eye contact in
performance. Jeff explores how eye contact can break the fourth
wall between the performer and the audience. It contrasts the norms
of ensemble culture, where musicians typically focus on their music
or instruments, with the potential for deeper audience engagement
through mindful eye contact. It also addresses common objections
like the distraction of bright stage lights and personal
comfort.
Key Points
1. Importance of Eye Contact: Engages the audience and
communicates that they matter.
2. Current Norms vs New Possibilities: Many musicians focus
inwardly or on their fellow performers. There’s an opportunity for
deeper engagement by focusing outward toward the audience.
3. Recording for Self-Review: Capture your performance to
objectively review your eye contact habits. Make adjustments as
needed.
4. Intentional Eye Closure: If eye closure is necessary for
emotional or technical reasons, make it deliberate and intentional
to not seem disengaged.
5. Bright Stage Lights: Offer techniques like body orientation
to signify where your attention is, especially when direct eye
contact isn’t possible due to lighting.
Tips for Application
• Use Audience Sectors: Break the audience into sections. Look
at different sections at different times to give the impression
you’re engaging with everyone.
• Frequency Check: Be conscious of how often you close your
eyes or engage with the audience via eye contact. Aim for
balance.
• Nonverbal Cues: Utilize your body language to augment your
eye contact, especially when lights are too bright for direct eye
contact.
The goal is not just to be technically proficient but also to
be effective communicators on stage, turning casual spectators into
committed fans.
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Welcome to Intentional Musicianship!!!!
The "Intentional Musicianship" podcast, hosted by Jeff
Price, is designed for musicians who aim to elevate their
performance on multiple levels. This isn't your average "how to
play better" show. We go beyond technique to focus on improving
your stage presence, musical storytelling, audience communication,
and breaking genre norms to form a deeper connection with your
audience. Whether you're an amateur, a seasoned professional, or a
music educator, our goal is to help you achieve a greater return on
your performance investment. This could range from building a more
committed fanbase to increasing merchandise sales. We utilize an
adult learning model, so we assume you already have a foundation in
performance and aim to refine and innovate on your existing skills.
The ultimate goal? To create unforgettable experiences that not
only entertain but engage your audience on a deeper level. The call
to action is to foster community, encourage engagement, and provide
actionable insights, all of which can be further explored at
intentionalmusicianship.com.
