Embedded Files
Music Composition Is for Everyone!
Music Composition Is for Everyone!
Music composition is not just something done by the legends of classical music such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. Anyone can compose their own musical ideas. Just as students practice writing in language arts, we can practice musical composition at any level.
Writing Melody
Writing Melody
In this lesson, you will create your own melody based on an existing chord structure. You will practice identifying chord tones using music notation, using basic rhythmic components and practice using non chord tones including passing tones and neighbor tones to create an original melody.
Here is an example of the type of melody you will be able to compose by the end of this lesson.
Chord Tones
Chord Tones
Here is an example of the type of chord progression we will use. Each chord is displayed as a triad with the chord label written above the notes.
Each chord has a root, third and fifth. The root is the same as the name of the chord, and in this lesson, it will always be the lowest note in the chord. The next highest note is called the third because it is the third note in the scale built on that note. The highest note is called the fifth for the same reason.
The chord tones for the C chord are C, E and G
C is the root; E is the third and G is the fifth.
What are the chord tones for the F chord?
Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones
Passing Tones and Neighbor Tones
The melody you create will use notes from the chord progression, but you are not limited to chord tones. In this lesson you will practice using two types of non-chord tones: passing tones and neighbor tones.
Passing Tone
Passing Tone
A non-chord tone that connects two chord tones.
Passing Tone Example:
The second note of this melody, ‘D,’ is a passing tone connecting the chord tones ‘C’ and ‘E’
Neighbor Tone
Neighbor Tone
A non-chord tone that steps up or down from a chord tone and returns to the original note.
Neighbor Tone Examples:
For now, you should start and end each measure with chord tones, and only use passing tones or neighbor tones in the middle of measures.
Which type of non-chord tone is used?
Rhythmic Components
Rhythmic Components
In this lesson you will be limited to using quarter notes, half notes and quarter rests
For your composition, you should only use these rhythmic values and use at least one of each.
Create Your Composition!
Create Your Composition!
Now it’s time to create your own melody. Here is the chord progression you will follow:
You will use a template in Noteflight to create your melody. Your melody will go in the top staff and the bottom staff will have the chords.
In previous lessons, you practiced entering notation in Noteflight. Take some time to practice entering notes and changing the note values with the duration menu.
Remember to start and end each measure with a chord tone. Use the chord tones from the chords in the corresponding measures. Your composition should use at least one passing tone and one neighbor tone.
Use the playback tool to listen to your composition. You can make changes as you go, just be sure not to edit the chords in the bottom staff.
When you are finished, you only need to press ‘save.’
Review the checklist below to make sure you have all of the necessary components for your melody. After you finish you will check your work with this list.
Each measure starts and ends with chord tones.
Only quarter notes, half notes and quarter rests are used and at least one of each is used.
At least one passing tone is used.
At least one neighbor tone is used.
All notes are either chord tones, passing tones or neighbor tones.
Page updated
Report abuse