@The Arts Unit Creative Classes

Making a melody

Compose a melody with master musician James Morrison

Student music resource developed by The Arts Unit

Years 7 to 10 music

What will I learn?

In Lesson 2, you will:

  • explore the role of repetition, contrast and structure in a strong melody

  • analyse the components which make a melody successful

  • compose a simple melody

  • reflect on your composition

  • perform your own composition.

  1. Explore

Watch the following 3 videos to listen to James Morrison’s top tips, tools and examples for writing a melody.

Reflect on the 3 videos and write down the important features of a successful melody.

Use these points as a guide:

  • What does phrasing mean?

  • How is a musical phrase similar to a verbal sentence?

  • Write down a list of the elements that are important in a sentence.

  • Describe how these elements can then be used in creating a musical phrase.

  • How long is a good phrase or a good sentence?

  • Do they go on and on, or do they tend to be short and concise?

  • What happens at the end of a phrase or sentence?

  • What is rhythmic content?

2. Analyse

Watch this video and listen to James's numbering technique for a melody.

4. Waltzing Matilda

Duration: 00:48

Analyse 'Waltzing Matilda' and the 'Happy Birthday Song' using James's numbering technique from the video.

Sing the melody of each song and think about how each melody uses repetition.

  1. Waltzing Matilda

Duration: 03:23

2. Happy Birthday Song

Duration: 00:50

3. Compose

Using the techniques you have learned, compose your own melody.

Use your story from Lesson 1 as a starting point. Remember that your melody needs 4 statements.

You may compose it using voice, play on an instrument of your choice, or use music software or apps on your device.

Optional: notate your melody on manuscript paper or using music notation software on your device.

Reflect on what you have learned from James Morrison.

  • Describe how your ‘story’ is told through the melody.

  • Highlight any repetition which is used.

  • Show how you have implemented the tips learned in these 2 lessons in your own work.

4. Perform

Record a performance of your composition.

Use your instrument, sing or use playback in your music software or app.


Fantastic work!

You have completed this @The Arts Unit Creative Class.

Third-party content attributions