Grade 5 Music Theory - Composing a Melody in a Major Key

How to write a melody. Learn how to compose your own short piece with these music composition tips and techniques, planning chords, thinking about structure, rhythm and pitch as well as adding musical interest and detail. Originally part of the ABRSM Grade 5 music theory syllabus. Writing a melody is usually quite a struggle for many musicians. Often they have no idea how to write a melody or they find it difficult to hear what they're actually writing on a page. However, in many ways, its one of the most creative topics of music theory, giving you the chance to compose your own short piece of music. Originally there used to be a question asking you to compose a melody on a Grade 5 theory exam, but it has since been removed. Never the less it is still a very useful thing to be able to do, especially if you would like to start composing music. In this music theory lesson, we are going to compose an eight-bar melody in a major key. Starting with an opening idea we'll develop an interesting melody using some expert techniques. We'll look at rhythm, pitch, structure, musical detail, phrase structure, dynamics, chord schemes and cadences, taking all these subjects into account in order to end up with a finished melody.

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to melody writing
1:55 - Before you start
4:55 - Beginning to compose
7:00 - Adding cadences
16:27 - Creating interest
19:17 - Additional details

🎓 Grade 5 Music Theory Course
A complete, step by step and practical way to learn music theory and discover how music really works. It's our belief that every musician needs to have the theory knowledge that supports their playing, singing, or composing skills. This course features clear explanations of music notation, many worked examples and practice exercises, definitions of important words and concepts, specimen questions and many helpful tips for students. As well as being suitable for candidates preparing for ABRSM grade 5 music theory exams, this course also provides an excellent resource for anyone wishing to develop general music literacy skills.

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[MusicMattersGB]

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[tonybayliss]

I am 70 year with 65 years of music making and am really enjoying your videos, so much so that I am thinking of working towards my grade 6 theory, and exam I never took when younger. After watching your videos along with some other videos on youtube I have found a distinct improvement in my playing. I have played the organ since my 20's and really enjoy playing interesting harmony. Thank you for your efforts.

[exactly]

never thought that trying to learn and play Tool on the guitar would eventually lead me to try to learn music theory in depth, but here i am and i'm glad people like you are here to help. thank you so much

[scrumpymanjack]

I'll be honest: I have found your videos a little slow until now BUT you absolutely nailed it with this one. It was a a very thorough and thoughtful explanation of the thought process involved in going through what seemed at first like a daunting exercise. What a brilliant lesson. You have more than earned my subscription. Thanks.

[jimskiuk]

This was a great video that gave me a lot of ideas! I'm a DJ and composer/producer who is returning to my roots and taking theory gradings whilst teaching guitar and drums, this made my task seem even brighter!

[dextoreofficial]

Hello Sir, just wanted to share my happiness and satisfaction with you. My exams went very well and this method for composing a Melody of yours immensely helped me out and I could finish it exactly on the last minute when they said pens down. I thank you whole heartedly again and congratulate you for your huge help you're providing.

[zanngoc]

You are incredibly positive, helpful and humble at the same time. I ADORE YOU!

(below are my thoughts in my mother tongue: Turkish)

Ya sen nasıl bir adamsın ya? Nasıl bu kadar pozitif, yardımsever ve alçakgönüllü şekilde anlatabiliyorsun konuyu? Vedat Milor'un deyimiyle: neden bu kadar İYİSİNİZ? Harikasın abicim/dayıcım/sir.

[ceebee]

Thank you for sharing this. The melody composition is the area that I am least confident about but your video has been very insightful. I feel better prepared for that part of the exam now.

[hughanthony]

My G5 exam is in a weeks time (1st March), and this is my bete noir... This was very very helpful, and I've finally got some confidence about it. Now if the given bars are in A major and look like that, I'll be very happy!

[ivanbosnich]

Thank you so much. I was really daunted by this part of the exam. I found your advice so helpful and encouraging, Colleen

[unfetteredaxes]

You are JUST THE TEACHER I'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR 🖤

[RockyPictures]

What a superb explanation.... Helped me soooo much! :)

[atsuyatakashi]

I love your way of teaching, i did benefited from you so much

[happyreader]

Watching now 6 years after the same date it was published. I really enjoy these type of lessons! I'm not a bit of a music junky but now I learned so much from you! Please keep on teaching! <3

[LennyTurner]

Got my exam in an hour! Thanks so much for giving me more insight into these questions.

[lesageur]

I love composing melodies, theory is actually quite fun.

[GramOfMayo]

Just wanted to thank you, wish you were my teacher you explain stuff better than anyone I seen when it comes to melody in m opinion

[natthakornjiempunya]

thanks a lot!! this is so good lesson for me!! :)

[niallhoranharry]

Thank you so much for this video! I have one question though - approximately how many marks would the piece get?
Thank you so much, my exam is tomorrow and this helped me a lot

[Feliza]

Wow.. what a great explanation. Now I can understand better for tomorrow's exam. Thanks for the video! :)