How to compose melodies?

[amjlopez]

Hello to all of you:

Well my ask is very simple. I know there is a way (logical way) to construct melodies. Even simple melodies. Where can I get that information?

I know harmony very well. But I want to make melodies and modern counterpoint. Is there a good step by step method?


Thank you very much. ;)

[Phil Kelly]

I suggest you begin by reading:

"The Shaping forces of Music" by Ernst Toch

if you're referring to jazz and popular melodic construction, check out Music Dispatch ..I'm sure you'll find several sources there.

If you have had the training in harmony and counterpoint ou mention, I'm kind of surprised that melodic construction wasn't mentioned. I got that stuff in second year theory ..and again in form and analysis.

good luck !

[Rooster_Ties]

Originally posted by Phil Kelly
I suggest you begin by reading:

"The Shaping forces of Music" by Ernst Toch

I might add that Toch is an incredible composer. CPO has been recording and releasing all of his symphonies and string quartets recently, and with every disc I buy - I'm more and more impressed.

[closer250]

The Schillinger System of Musical Composition

http://www.geodyne.com/schillinger/

Check out the link above. I found this site in late 1996 by accident. Harry Lyden has put together a definitive resource on the Schillinger System based upon his own personal research and study of the methods it presents.

I personally studied The Schillinger System of Musical Composition initially under a gentleman named O'tress L. Tandy for over 3 years. The cornerstone of the Schillinger System is his Theory of Rhythm. However, the method of also being able to create an unlimited amount of original melodic and unique harmonic material may be very useful to your quest as well.

I still study Schillinger's system today, and also use many of his principles in composing music of most all styles, along with exploration of original approaches to jazz improvisation on my instruments. Hope this is useful...

[Jakeweiser]

check out Paul Heindameth's (sp?) two books on writing melodies. That's all about rules and limiting yourself to experiment with different things. I think you might get some help from those two books

I know i dd

[Phil Kelly]

Originally posted by Jakeweiser
check out Paul Heindameth's (sp?) two books on writing melodies. That's all about rules and limiting yourself to experiment with different things. I think you might get some help from those two books

I know i dd

Those would be:

Paul Hindemith: Craft of Musical Composition & Excrcises in two part Writing.


I 'd start with the Toch book.. and work into the Hindemith ..which is deeper and a bit harder to grasp at first ..

my .02 worth

[Jakeweiser]

agreed, Heindi's theory is pretty hard to grasp from the get go, but I found it quite refreshing in fact. His chord construction theory is wonderful, I know Jazz artists like Jerry Mulligan took a lot away from these books. But I agree with you Phil, it can be a hard pill to swollow!