Basic Elements: Creating Melody

Melodic Motion – Repeated Notes

Melodic motion refers to the direction of the melody. The notes in the melody can move up, move down, or be repeated. Most melodies will utilize a combination of all three.

When creating melodies, the first step is to select the starting pitch or note and its duration. Once this decision has been made the second note needs to be selected.

Headphones IconListen to this example of a melody where the first note is repeated to emphasize the pitch.

excerpt from Jingle Bells