Creating a 16-bar melody
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write an effectively structured 16-bar melody and chord sequence.
Key learning points
- A typical 16-bar classical melody has a contrasting section of harmony and melody in bars 9-12.
- This usually ends with chord V, creating an imperfect cadence.
- The melody and harmony in bar 13-16 typically copy bar 5-8, ending with a perfect cadence.
- An anacrusis is an interesting melodic feature that can help to make a melody sound more unique and interesting.
Keywords
Tonic - chord I, which feels finished
Dominant - chord V, which feels unfinished
Imperfect cadence - where part of a chord sequence finishes on the dominant chord (V), which feels unfinished
Anacrusis - when a melody starts before the downbeat (beat 1)
Common misconception
There are no 'rules' for writing a chord sequence.
While to some extent this is true, in Western classical music there are very typical patterns that are used very regularly. These include the position of perfect and imperfect cadences, and what the chords do throughout the 16 bars.
Teacher tip
The strict 'rules' in this lesson are designed to give pupils a clear model of a typical classical melodic/harmonic structure. This will differ from the way many approach these in a pop context. You could deepen learning by analysing melody and harmony in pop, which often use similar conventions.
Equipment
DAW or notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool.
Licence
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