Melodic development
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how different techniques are used to develop melodic ideas in a composition and can use some of these in my own composition.
Key learning points
- Composers develop melodic ideas to create variety while maintaining the coherence of a composition.
- The techniques vary between styles and genres, though some are very common across different styles.
- Typical techniques include using fragments of melodies, adding notes to decorate melodies and changing notes.
- It is crucial to keep melodies recognisable when they are developed.
Keywords
Phrase - a short section of a melody, typically lasting for 1, 2 or 4 bars
Melodic shape - the overall shape of a melody; this takes into account whether it ascends or descends and is conjunct or disjunct
Imitation - when a short part of a melody is copied (or 'imitated') in another part
Common misconception
Developing a melody is only a feature of classical styles, not pop and rock.
Almost all musical styles use melodic development. Different styles use different techniques typically - in pop styles, for example, singers often develop melodies through adding melisma, extra notes and different vocal techniques.
Teacher tip
This composition is also a useful starting point for exploring: writing chamber music; non-functional harmony; using chromatic notes; writing for wind instruments; imitation; modulation to distant keys; articulation and dynamics; harmonising melodies; counter melody (second subject).
Files needed for this lesson
Composition exemplar - wind quintet (audio) 4.25 MB (MP3)
Composition exemplar - wind quintet (score) 133.16 KB (PDF)
Download these files to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.In music, a motif is ...
Q2.We can use conjunct and disjunct to describe the ...
Q3.Staccato and legato are examples of ...
Q4.A short section of a melody, typically lasting for one, two or four bars is called a ...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Melodic development, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 music lesson on: Melodic development, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 music lessons from the Composition exemplars: creating a varied composition unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.