Making ideas more 'musical'
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can refine a musical idea so it has clear shape, rhythmic interest and fits my chosen style.
Key learning points
- Melodic ideas are shaped by intervals, contours and phrasing.
- Rhythmic variety makes ideas more engaging and interesting.
- Creative use of inversions and changing harmonic rhythm adds interest to a chord sequence.
- Ideas should be purposeful and fit the brief and chosen genre.
Keywords
Contour - the shape of a melody and how it rises and falls
Interval - the distance in pitch between two notes (e.g. a fifth or an octave)
Inversion - when the notes in a chord are repositioned so the root note is no longer the lowest note of the chord
Common misconception
More notes means a better melody.
A simple, well-shaped idea is often more effective than a busy one. Focus on contour and rhythm rather than quantity of notes.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to sing or clap their melodic idea back to you. If they can't remember it, it probably needs more shape or rhythmic character before they develop it further.
Equipment
Pupils may be working on their composition using notation software or a DAW. They may need access to a piano or their instrument.
Licence
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