9/29 Writing Melodies Using Modes

• Today we will be learning about scales and their modes.  These scales are the base we use to write melodies. 

• Visit this website to discover Scales and Modes: https://learningmusic.ableton.com/advanced-topics/modes.html

• Your assignment is below. If you need additional help or are absent, I have a video outlining the assignment below. 

Assignment: You will be composing two separate melodies using two different modes. Your First Melody will use one of the scale modes: Ionian (Major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (Minor), Locrian.  The Second Melody will use a different scale mode. Both of these scales should use only white notes on the piano. They are based on C. 

• • • • Ideas to build a melody: Play around until you find something you like, take part of a favorite song and put a twist on it, combine multiple ideas, ask a friend. 

Steps: Click here to get started: https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/assignment/1nqmVHKwRJmz1DlSAK961A 

1. Add a Virtual Instrument Track and choose any instrument you want.

2. OPTIONAL: Pick a drum track loop or two that you want to create your melody with. 

3. Set the metronome to 85 or slower if needed. You can always turn it up after you record.

4. Each Melody must be at least 8 measures long or longer. Record 1-2 measures at a time if that helps. 

5. Stay in time with the Beat (metronome click and drums). Simple is better.

6. Quantize after you record.

7. Line the Melodies in Sequence (one after the other with a measure of space between). Feel free to add drums in the background to match your melody.  Turn in on Google Classroom. 

9/23 Melodic Dictation 

A Melodic Dictation is the ability to listen to a piece of music and then quickly write it down or play it back. You will develop listening skills and become more acclimated to the Midi keyboards. 

1. Click Here for the Assignment File: https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/assignment/d1ebB15pTOGBXYMP_CGcnQ 

2. Listen to the four melodies below. Recreate them in Soundtrap using the Midi Keyboard. You will only use the White Keys on the Keyboard.

3. Find the "Flute" Sound. Set your metronome to 85.

4. Listen Carefully to the Melody and find the note it starts on. Then, continue listening and figure out how to play the melody by experimenting with the notes on the keyboard. You may have to listen multiple times until it is correct.

5. Be sure to practice and use the metronome! QUANTIZE after you record. Quantize to the correct rhythmic value makes the recording perfect.

6. After recording all four melodies, line them up in sequence with 1 measures of space in between so they will play one at at time. Save, then download the Mp3, and upload to Google Classroom here

9/20 Drum Beat Listening

Click here to begin the Drum Beat Listening Assignment

Click here to check out the Responses

9/14/26

1. Playing Drums with the Keyboard

• MIDI Keyboards

• Computer Keyboards

2. Recording with the Metronome

3. Quantizing - Automatically adjusting rhythms to match the metronome

RHYTHM DICTATION ASSIGNMENT

Listen to the file “Rhythmic Dictation” below. You will hear a brief two measure rhythmic pattern.

You are to re-create (record) what you hear in Soundtrap

Rhythm Dictation Sound File

Assignment  Procedure

• Open this linked SoundTrap Project to get started:  https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/assignment/nJu4qMJgRIOaI79pKiUNWQ 

• Make sure the "Clean Red" Drum Kit is selected. 

• Set the metronome to 85.

• Listen to the first example in the Rhythmic Dictation File.

• Record the two-measure pattern on the drum track in Soundtrap

• Record as close to the metronome as possible.

• Record only the drum set sounds, not the metronome click in the background.

• Quantize your recording.

• Repeat for the other 5 examples in the Rhythmic Dictation file. Leave 1 measure between each recording. Keep them all in the same track. 

• Save the file when you are done and upload the Mp3 into Google Classroom 

9/2 - 9/9 Sound Systems Quiz and Soundtrap Loops Project

Sound Systems Quiz!

• Sound Systems Quiz

Soundtrap Track Options

• Automation

Soundtrap Loops Project

Today we will be starting our first project! Click on the assignment sheet below for your instructions and rubric. 

Soundtrap Loops Project Assignment Sheet

• Click here to begin the project - Soundtrap Project Link (This will automatically share your project with me.  Only use this link once, unless you want to restart completely!!!)

• Downloading your Mp3

Soundtrap Loops Project Listening Assignment

Responses