a short, memorable part of a melody that is used multiple times

when the parts of a piece sound like they belong together; using a repeated motif can help with this in finding a balance between unity and variety

where a melodic idea is repeated in steps either rising or falling

Compare these two melodies ex.1

British English CC

Compare these two melodies ex.2

Rhythmic ideas

Patterns of pitches

Mixed motif

Composing a motif in a melody

Adapting a motif in a melody

Check

Task A feedback audio

Extending a melody: repeat the first 8 bars

Extending a melody: create a contrasting 8-bar melody

Extending a melody: create a variation

Sequence

Creating a sequence: video 1

Creating a sequence: video 2

Creating a sequence: video 3

Task B feedback audio

Developing a melody

Music

Melodic fundamentals

Composing a chord sequence

Developing a chord sequence

Combining melody and harmony

This unit explores fundamental components of composition. It embeds and develops pupils' understanding of writing melodies, including idiomatic features and making a melody sound 'melodic'. It also explores effective writing of chord sequences, and how these intertwine with melodic writing.

Fundamentals of composition

A motif should be identical every time it is heard.

A motif needs to be recognisable to the listener.

Aspects of a motif can change when it is repeated.

What melodic device is this an example of?

where a melodic idea is repeated at identical pitch

where a melodic idea is repeated with changing rhythm

where a melodic idea is repeated in a lower octave

What do both sequences and motifs help to balance in a melody?

movement by a mixture of small and large intervals

A __________ is a short section of a melody, normally 2, 4 or 8 bars long.

An effective melody balances __________ and contrast.

Ending a melody on the __________ note in a key helps it to feel finished.

Starter Quiz

What is conjunct movement?