12-04-2017, 12:48 AM
If you're writing over a chord structure, there is a technique you can use- for each chord, select a note, then use 'Non Chord Tones' (passing tone, escape tone, appogitura, suspension, etc.) to fill in the gaps between the chord tones.
It is a good exercise to try with duets and trios, like this duet-
https://s3.amazonaws.com/SamulisRandom/Duet5.pdf
https://instaud.io/1vgY
Overall, the shape of the line should be more gradual, up or down along the phrase, then back to "home".
Arpeggios and jumps are useful for moving between registers-
https://instaud.io/MjC
Most importantly, I must recommend listening to vocalists of all kinds, for the human voice is where all melodic music emerged from.
Transcribe if you can- figure out what the notes are, then analyze where the big leaps are, where the runs are, where they go high vs. where they go low. That is the basics of melody- shape and motion. Unfortunately there is no magic solution, although that rough process described above will almost always deliver when in a pinch (but don't expect super memorable themes from it).
It is a good exercise to try with duets and trios, like this duet-
https://s3.amazonaws.com/SamulisRandom/Duet5.pdf
https://instaud.io/1vgY
Overall, the shape of the line should be more gradual, up or down along the phrase, then back to "home".
Arpeggios and jumps are useful for moving between registers-
https://instaud.io/MjC
Most importantly, I must recommend listening to vocalists of all kinds, for the human voice is where all melodic music emerged from.
Transcribe if you can- figure out what the notes are, then analyze where the big leaps are, where the runs are, where they go high vs. where they go low. That is the basics of melody- shape and motion. Unfortunately there is no magic solution, although that rough process described above will almost always deliver when in a pinch (but don't expect super memorable themes from it).
Sample library developer, composer, and amateur organologist at Versilian Studios.