Some practical tips for writing a melody:  | Think of a rhyme or a poem you already know. Any nursery rhyme will do. Say it out loud | | Use a rhythmic idea from that poem and use different notes to make a new melody. | | Don't be afraid of repetition. Sing through a popular tune, a folk melody or a classical theme and you will find that ideas (melodic, rhythmic or both) repeat often |
Note: DO NOT use Finale Workbook! You will not be able to save or send your file.
Composition Assignment #1 Compose a melody 8 to 16 measures in length. The completed assignment should be notated in Finale. If you need an idea for a beginning, go to the link below to hear a melodic cell from a Mozart piece. Melodic cells from Mozart Include in your composition: | A key signature other than the key of C | | A clear tonal center with the key labeled under the key signature | | At least 2 phrases written in an antecedent-consequent relationship. Label these 2 phrases. |
To score your composition in Finale, follow the instructions on the Finale Tips Finale formatting should include: | A title ("Composition #1" is not an acceptable title) | | Your name as composer | | No extra measures at the end and no unnecessary staves | | Measures numbered (every measure) | | Phrases marked |
Please remember to: | Save the Finale file as “YourNameComposition1” (Please save exactly like this, not by the title you have given your piece - this is for my file organization to grade Composition #1 and #2 separately) | | E-mail your completed Finale file as an attachment to boucher@tarleton.edu by 8am on the due date | | Turn in a printed copy of your score at the beginning of class on the due date |
Composition Assignment #2 Compose a melody notated on Finale. The length of the melody is not specified, but should be long enough to accomplish the assignment as outlined below. NOTE: If you use a transposing instrument for your melody, it MUST be scored in concert pitch. Include in your composition: | A key signature other than the key of C | | At least one sequence. Sequence should consist of more than 2 segments (the original statement and at least 2 more segments) and should be marked on your score as "Segment 1, Segment 2, Segment 3", etc. Go to the Finale Page and click on the "Add Text" under Miscellaneous for instructions on adding text in Finale. | | At least one motive or phrase that is repeated. Mark these on your score as "original phrase" and "repeated phrase" | | A clear tonal center. You may use major or minor mode. Label your key under the key signature | | A clear large-scale form, marked on your score by letter (AB, ABA, etc.) | | An accompaniment which follows a standard progression (See diagram on page 109 of your textbook) Label your accompaniment with a harmonic analysis using Roman numerals and including inversions. Place the Roman numerals directly under the chords to which they apply. |
Finale notation should include: | A title ("Composition #2" is not an acceptable title) | | Your name as composer | | Tempo indication | | Dynamic markings | | Phrases marked | | The name of the instrument for which it is written | | Proper formatting (no extra measures at the end and balanced on the page) | | Measures numbered (every measure) |
Please remember to: | Save the Finale file as “YourNameComposition2” | | E-mail your completed Finale file as an attachment to boucher@tarleton.edu by 8:30am on the due date. The subject line of the email should also read "YouNameComposition2" | | Turn in a printed copy of your score at the beginning of class on the due date |
HOW TO WRITE A BAD MELODY | | Never use a rest Don't repeat anything Use a different rhythm in every measure. Avoid establishing tonality Use more skips than steps Let Finale place the notes on random pitches Let Finale make sense of the meter after the fact Put every chord in the accompaniment in root position
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Created and maintained by Vicky Boucher
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