MELODY

The melody is the tune of Music!

WHAT MAKES A MELODY?

A melody is made up of different notes at different pitches.

The pitch is how high or low the note or sound is.

When we sing a combination of high and low notes, we are creating a melody.

Look at this melody ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. See how there are different high and low notes that create the melody? Have a sing if you know the tune!

WHAT IS HIGH AND LOW?

In Music, there are high notes and low notes. This is called the pitch of a note.A high note is a sound of high frequency. Think of a scream or a whistle.

A low note is a sound of low frequency. Think of a drum or a Lion’s roar.

Let’s watch this video that introduces high notes, low notes and notes in the middle.

CAN YOU SING A SIMPLE MELODY?

Now that you know what makes a melody, let’s see if you can sing one!

We have been trying different things with our voices to do with rhythm, tempo and dynamics. Now it’s time to use those elements to sing a basic melody!

Let’s have a go at singing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. Follow the notes with your finger and take note when the notes move up and down.

LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK!

Let’s look closely at this song to find what makes it a melody!

Notice the different notes that are high, low and in the middle? And the words? All of these elements make this a melody or a tune that you can sing!

LET’S LISTEN TO SOME MELODIES!

We can compare melodies by listening to their different notes.

One is an opera singer singing in Italian and one is a pop singer singing in English.

Can you tell singer is singing a melody with a lot of high notes and which is singing a melody with a lot of low notes? Circle your answer below!

HIGH / LOW

TIME TO SING TOGETHER!

One of the best things about music is that it brings people together! Everyone has their own, unique voice. When we sing at the same time we can create something pretty special!

We are going to sing ‘Row, Row, Row, Your Boat’ in cannon form. That means, that we will divide into two groups and each group will start singing at a different time. This creates an echo style and is very effective! Let’s give it a try!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Ask yourself these questions as you reflect on melody.

Q. Which pitch to you prefer singing in, high or low?

Q. Did you enjoy following along with the notes and the words?

Q. Did you prefer the opera style of melody or the pop style of melody in the videos?

Q. How would you describe your own voice?