Composing and notating a major melody
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compose and notate a major melody considering the use of steps and leaps, repetition and melodic shape.
Key learning points
- Stave notation can tell us the rhythm and pitch of a melody, which we can use to help us perform it accurately.
- We can compose by selecting pitches from the major pentachord for an existing rhythm.
- Effective melodies start and end on ‘do’ and move mostly by step, with some leaps.
- We can use repeating patterns to make our melody and rhythm compositions sound organised.
Keywords
Major pentachord - the first 5 notes of a major scale - do re mi fa so
Melody - a combination of notes to make a memorable tune
Compose - to create a piece of music over time
Stave - lines on which musical notes can be placed
Common misconception
When composing, to make a melody interesting, it should be complicated with lots of different notes.
A simple melody with lots of repetition and stepwise movement often makes a more memorable melody.
Teacher tip
Encourage the pupils to try out different melodies and choose the notes they like, rather than choosing notes by written notation. Emphasise composing is an aural skill rather than a written skill.
Equipment
Class set of pitched percussion, eg. glockenspiels, xylophones or chime bars.
Licence
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