How to write strong themes and melodies

Link to Lesson 4.
Link to Lesson 3.
Link to Lesson 2.
Link to Lesson 1.

Lesson 5:

In Lesson 1., seven elements are listed that invariably form the basis of most melodies, the third of these is repeated notes. Repeated notes can be used rhythmically, such as in folk fiddle playing and funk guitar riffs. Frequently in songwriting, when the same tune is used for more than one verse of a song, a long note may be divided into two or more shorter notes in order to accomodate the extra syllables.
However this lesson shows notes being repeated for purely melodic reasons, giving the melody a particular sound. The first example is a folk ballad from Pennsylvania - Conestoga on the Jordan. This melody is taken from "Pensylvania Songs and Legends" (page 249), edited by George Korson. According to this book, it is a parody of an older ballad "Jordan Am a Hard Road to Trabbel". Notice the continual use of repeated pitches throughout the entire melody.

The second example is taken from the last movement of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. This movement is in rondo form and the melody is the perfect rondo theme. The beauty and simplicity of this melody is worth studying in detail.

Example 2. - opening theme from 3rd movement of Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Finally, mention must be made of the "One Note Samba", composed by Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. In this piece, long melodic phrases are constructed entirely out of one pitch, hence the title. The melody achieves its effect by being accompanied by constantly changing jazz harmony. Unlike the two melodies shown above, which do not need harmony in order to sound melodic, the One Note Samba does. For copyright reasons it is not possible to reproduce the music of the One Note Samba here; however it is recommended that you listen to a recording of it. Also you will notice how the middle section contrasts with the main section by using fast scalic passages.

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How to write strong themes and melodies Link to Lesson 4. Link to Lesson 3. Link to Lesson 2. Link to Lesson 1. Lesson 5: In Lesson 1., seven elements are listed that invariably form the basis of most melodies, the third of these is repeated notes. Repeated notes can be used rhythmically, such as in folk fiddle playing and funk guitar riffs. Frequently in songwriting, when the same tune is used for more than one verse of a song, a long note may be divided into two or more shorter notes in order to accomodate the extra syllables. However this lesson shows notes being repeated for purely melodic reasons, giving the melody a particular sound. The first example is a folk ballad from Pennsylvania - Conestoga on the Jordan. This melody is taken from "Pensylvania Songs and Legends" (page 249), edited by George Korson. According to this book, it is a parody of an older ballad "Jordan Am a Hard Road to Trabbel". Notice the continual use of repeated pitches throughout the entire melody. The second example is taken from the last movement of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. This movement is in rondo form and the melody is the perfect rondo theme. The beauty and simplicity of this melody is worth studying in detail. Finally, mention must be made of the "One Note Samba", composed by Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim. In this piece, long melodic phrases are constructed entirely out of one pitch, hence the title. The melody achieves its effect by being accompanied by constantly changing jazz harmony. Unlike the two melodies shown above, which do not need harmony in order to sound melodic, the One Note Samba does. For copyright reasons it is not possible to reproduce the music of the One Note Samba here; however it is recommended that you listen to a recording of it. Also you will notice how the middle section contrasts with the main section by using fast scalic passages.