@The Arts Unit Creative Classes
Embedded Files
Compose a melody with master musician James Morrison
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?
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.
- Explore
Watch the following 3 videos to listen to James Morrison’s top tips, tools and examples for writing a melody.
1. Introduction
Duration: 03:272. Value of repetition
Duration: 00:423. Use of repetition in structuring a melody
Duration: 00:50Reflect 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
2. Analyse
Watch this video and listen to James's numbering technique for a melody.
4. Waltzing Matilda
Duration: 00:48Analyse '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.
Waltzing Matilda
2. Happy Birthday Song
Duration: 00:503. Compose
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
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
Third-party content attributions
Page updated
Report abuse