@The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Embedded Files
Learn about composing melodies with master musician James Morrison
Learn about composing melodies with master musician James Morrison
Student music resource developed by The Arts Unit
Years 7 to 10 music
What will I learn?
What will I learn?
This Creative Class is made up of 3 lessons.
In these lessons, you will:
investigate and analyse the components of a successful melody
compose simple melodies
compare interpretations of a melody
perform your own compositions.
Before you begin
Before you begin
Renowned Australian jazz musician, James Morrison, created these resources to help students in the 2019 International Jazz Day composition competition.
In these lessons, James shares his top tips, tools and examples for writing a melody.
Each lesson should be done in order.
You'll need:
paper, pen, pencil and eraser
a device to record audio.
Optional: manuscript paper
Or if you are working on a device, you can use:
Word processing software such as Word, Powerpoint or Google slides
Music notation software, for example, Sibelius or Finale.
Lesson 1 – What is a melody?
Lesson 1 – What is a melody?
Lesson 2 – Making a melody
Lesson 2 – Making a melody
In Lesson 2 you will learn the role of repetition, contrast and structure in a strong melody. You will also analyse the components which make a melody successful and compose your own simple melody.
Lesson 3 – Extension activities
Lesson 3 – Extension activities
Third-party content attributions
Third-party content attributions
Page updated
Report abuse