Composition 3
Composition 3 - Melody Composition
Objectives
*Compose a 16-measure melody that is musically effective
*Demonstrate knowledge of phrase form and period structure
*Demonstrate knowledge of Theme and Variation form
*Compose music of various musical genres
*Compose a melody within specified guidlines
Procedure
Step 1:
*Write a 16 measure melody that follows proper phrase form. There should be two phrases (the antecedent and the consequent ) that combine to form a period. That means the first phrase must end with a weaker cadence than the second phrase. The phrases must end with a cadence to form a period. The period can be parallel or contrasting. Please label components of the phrase (important chords, cadences, parallel or contrasting period, etc...). Use the quidelines below to build a good melody. Refer to chapter 7 notes for more detailed information.
- A melody does not need to have all pitches of a scale to be considered to be good.
- Good melodies can be made up of entirely scale steps, or entirely of thirds.
- Your melodies will probably be somewhere in the middle.
- Intervals of a third or more can be used freely if they outline a triad. If they don't, avoid using more than three.
- The interval of a 5th or more should be approached in the direction opposite the skip and left in the direction opposite the skip.
- Scale passages usually do not exceed 6 tones.
- The range of a melody must not exceed the range of the instrument or voice.
- The highest tone is not repeated within a phrase, and often within a period. Its effectiveness is lost upon repetition.
- The leading-tone must be treated with care. It must lead to the tonic.
- 6th and 7th scale steps in Melodic Minor are used when writing a melody. When the V triad is used, the raised 7th is used (to make it a major triad).
*Compose the melody in finale so the person who is using your melody has accurate notation.
*Your melody can be in any mode, meter, or style.
*Give a copy of your melody to Mrs. Leckey and put the finale file on the server under Melody Composition. The melody is due on January 11th and is worth 50 points.
Step 2:
*Use the 16 measure melody that you were given to create an original composition. The melody is a starting point. You can change the tempo or make minor rhythmic changes, but you must keep the harmonic and melodic structure in place. Your composition must be in one of the following forms and should not exceed 3 minutes.
Theme and Variation
Song Form
Fugue
ABA (Rounded Binary)
I have listed a few links that might help you with the forms above.
Theme and Variation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variation_(music) - Wikipedia
http://www.empire.k12.ca.us/capistrano/Mike/capmusic/form/theme%20and%20variations/themeand.htm
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~krr2/themevariation.html - Examples of Theme and Variation
Song Form
http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/moneychords/songforms.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_structure_(popular_music)
http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/mecklerd/MUS202/Song_forms.htm
Fugue
http://www.teoria.com/articulos/analysis/BWV772/index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugue
http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/fugueanatomy.html
ABA Form
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ternary_form
http://cnx.org/content/m10842/latest/
Evaluation
Total Composition - 900 Points
YoSoy Self-Evaluation - 100 points
Due Date - March 10, 2010
*Composition should follow one of the forms above
*The composition should have seamless transitions between sections
*Balance and Blend...the melody should be carefully treated when combined with an accompaniment. Make sure the most important musical idea during each section of the piece is brought out sensitively and musically.
*Melody...the original melody should be developed throughout the composition.
*The composition needs to be musically effective. Was there a clear musical goal throughout the composition?
