Music 19: Summer 2003 Assignment 6: melodic composition Compose eight melodies, of any length that seems appropriate, each in a different key. Four of the melodies should be in major keys, four in minor; four should be in 2/4 or 4/4 time while the other four should be in 3/4. Typically we want our melodies to "express their key" -- which is to say, be definitively in that key, rather than being ambiguous -- so you may want to begin from scale degrees 1, 3, and 5, and arrive on scale degrees 1 or 3. Also try to think about contour -- arch shapes and descents are melodic archetypes. Consider balance between stepwise motions (half- and whole-steps) and skips (larger intervals in between adjacent pitches). Another issue in melodic composition is rhythmic continuity and contrast. Finally, please practice singing these melodies using solfege syllables. And have fun -- this is a loose, creative assignment.