@The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Melody with 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?

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

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.

James Morrison playing trumpet

Lesson 1 – What is a melody?

Melody is one of the most important components in a piece of music. In Lesson 1 you will explore melody and learn some of James Morrison's top tips!

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 is aimed at Stage 5 music students.

In Lesson 3 you will examine the role of structure in a strong melody. You will compare and analyse interpretations of a melody. You will also have the opportunity to fine-tune your composition.

You might like to explore more of our @The Arts Unit Creative Classes:






Sticking to the drum basics - Years 7-8 music
Melody with Morrison - Years 7-10 music
Listen With Your Heart featuring Casey Donovan - Years 7-8 music
Musical theatre - music - Years 7-10 music
Electronic sounds - Year 5-8 music
Meeting the sun - Years 7-10 music
It all 'ads' up - Years 5-8 music

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