Fundamentals of melody
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe basic features of melodies and different common methods of melodic development.
Key learning points
- Melodies can be analysed by looking at melodic shape, intervals, repetition and contrast, motifs and phrases.
- Most composers develop melodies to create a balance between repetition and contrast.
- Adding notes and changing rhythms are simple ways to develop a melody.
- Augmentation, diminution and sequences are also common methods for melodic development.
Keywords
Motif - a short musical idea that is heard multiple times in a piece of music
Phrase - a section of a melody, usually lasting for 1, 2 or 4 bars
Augmentation - the process of lengthening all of the notes in a melody by the same proportion
Diminution - the process of shortening all of the notes in a melody by the same proportion
Sequence - a melodic device in which a melodic idea is repeated at least three times, either rising or falling in pitch each time
Common misconception
If the notes of a melody are changed, that just makes it a new melody.
Changing the notes of a melody does create a new melody, but if it is still recognisable as related to the original, we can consider it a developed version of the melody. If it is unrecognisable, then it is not a development but a totally new melody.
Teacher tip
The listening tasks in this lesson are limited in scope, but illustrate key principles. If possible, create further opportunities for pupils to listen to and analyse melodies, using the analytical steps from this lesson as a starting point.
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