In every singer’s life, there comes a time when we must mark.Marking is a way of singing quietly during rehearsals in order toprotect one’s voice. Reasons for marking are varied: perhaps youdidn’t get enough sleep, or maybe you didn’t have the opportunityto warm up sufficiently. But what if you have only one rehearsalwith a pianist for a very important audition? You have just onechance to prepare your work together, and you’re not up to a full-voiced session. So, go ahead – mark.
The question is: how do you communicate everything necessary toa pianist when you mark?
The key to successful marking is to always give your colleagueswhat they need to do their job. Whether your colleague is anothersinger, a pianist, instrumentalist, or conductor, you must give themclear cues. They need crisp diction, clean entrances, and clear cut-offs. Yes, you can sing quietly, and yes, you can drop down theoctave, but the energy level must remain high. Often when singersmark, they slow the tempo, change the length of notes or rests, andgive very dull interpretations. If your intentions are not clear, yourcolleagues will not know what you want from them. Keep yourinterpretation alive so they will know when to swell to a forte withyou, diminuendo with you, and breathe with you.
You want to give the best you can. Give them what they needto do their best as well, and you’re on your way to a successfulcollaboration! Cheers!
