COMPOSING
ELEMENTS OF COMPOSING
Motive: The set of notes and rhythm that make the memorable part of the melody.
1. Come up with a snappy quote or saying.
2. Write out the rhythm for each word, usually based on syllables. To start with, let your song have a 4/4 Time Signature. To build your rhythm you can use these guidelines:
1 syllable - quarter note
2 syllables - 2 eighth notes
3 syllables - triplet (strawberry) or an eight and two sixteenth (blue-berry)
4 syllables - 4 sixteenth notes (watermelon)
3. Decide on notes for the rhythm. It is best to pick a scale (C is easiest) and then start on the 1st (called the root), 3rd or 5th notes of the scale. For example, in the key of C start the motive on C, E or G. It is also best to end the entire song on the root note of the scale.
Repeat: Half of the motive, repeated in one measure
1. Divide the motive into half.
2. In a new measure repeat the notes and rhythm of the first two (or last two) counts TWICE.
Sequence: Repeat the motive but start on a new note.
Retrograde: Repeat the motive 100% backwards, including the rhythm.
Motive: The set of notes and rhythm that make the memorable part of the melody.
1. Come up with a snappy quote or saying.
2. Write out the rhythm for each word, usually based on syllables. To start with, let your song have a 4/4 Time Signature. To build your rhythm you can use these guidelines:
1 syllable - quarter note
2 syllables - 2 eighth notes
3 syllables - triplet (strawberry) or an eight and two sixteenth (blue-berry)
4 syllables - 4 sixteenth notes (watermelon)
3. Decide on notes for the rhythm. It is best to pick a scale (C is easiest) and then start on the 1st (called the root), 3rd or 5th notes of the scale. For example, in the key of C start the motive on C, E or G. It is also best to end the entire song on the root note of the scale.
Repeat: Half of the motive, repeated in one measure
1. Divide the motive into half.
2. In a new measure repeat the notes and rhythm of the first two (or last two) counts TWICE.
Sequence: Repeat the motive but start on a new note.
Retrograde: Repeat the motive 100% backwards, including the rhythm.