Melodic fundamentals
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain features of effective melodies and use these to compose a simple melody.
Key learning points
- Effective melodies balance repetition and contrast.
- They are built using the notes of a particular scale and a variety of rhythms.
- Using 2-bar phrases and conjunct movement helps a melody to sound effective.
- Melodies use the dominant (fifth) halfway through to sound unfinished, then the tonic at the end to sound finished.
- It is possible to write effective melodies without all of these rules, but they are a good starting point for composing.
Keywords
Melody - the tune, usually the most memorable feature in a piece of music
Scale - a set of notes
Conjunct - movement between notes based on small intervals (steps)
Phrase - a short section of a melody, often lasting 1, 2 or 4 bars
Tonic - the ‘home’ note in a key and the note that the key is named after (e.g. the tonic in C major is C)
Common misconception
Using new ideas in every bar is the best way to compose a melody
Finding a balance of repetition and variety is usually more successful as it helps the melody become memorable.
Teacher tip
The strict success criteria in Task C are used to create an explicit model of a 'classical' melody, rather than to be treated as strict rules. There may be more experienced composers for whom it is appropriate to have flexibility with these - use your judgment to identify any of these pupils.
Equipment
DAW, notation software, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool
Licence
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