Question 1: Define the term 'melody' in music and explain its importance in composition.

Answer: A melody is a sequence of musical notes arranged in a particular rhythm and pitch that forms a recognizable tune. It is important because it provides the main musical idea or theme in a piece, guiding the emotional and structural aspects of the composition.

Question 2: Identify and describe three characteristics that can be used to create an interesting melody.

Answer: Characteristics include: 1) Contour – the shape or direction of the melody (rising, falling, or arching); 2) Range – the distance between the highest and lowest notes; 3) Rhythm – the pattern of note durations which gives the melody its flow and character.

Question 3: Listen carefully to a melody that uses a simple stepwise movement (moving from one note to the next in the scale). Describe how this movement affects the feel of the melody.

Answer: Stepwise movement creates a smooth, flowing, and easily singable melody. It often sounds calm and gentle, making it accessible and memorable.

Question 4: Identify whether the following description refers to a 'conjunct' or 'disjunct' melody: 'The notes move mainly by small intervals, such as seconds and thirds.'

Answer: Conjunct

Question 5: Describe what a 'leap' in a melody is, and give an example of a musical interval that can be considered a leap.

Answer: A leap is a movement between notes that are separated by a larger interval, skipping over intermediate notes. An example is jumping a fifth, such as from C to G.

Question 6: Sketch a simple melody in the space below that contains at least one ascending step, one leap, and one descending note. Use a blank staff provided in the exam paper.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence of notes starting at a middle pitch, moving up by a step (e.g., C to D), then jumping up a third (e.g., D to F), and finally descending by a step (e.g., F to E).

Question 7: Explain the purpose of using repetition in a melody. How does it affect the listener?

Answer: Repetition helps to make a melody memorable and recognizable. It provides familiarity and can evoke emotional responses, making the music more engaging for the listener.

Question 8: Identify three different scales commonly used in Western music and briefly describe how each influences the mood of a melody.

Answer: Major scale – sounds happy and bright; Minor scale – sounds sad or somber; Pentatonic scale – sounds simple and folk-like, often used in traditional or folk music.

Question 9: Describe how rhythmic variation can be used to add interest to a melody. Provide one example concept.

Answer: Rhythmic variation involves changing the duration and pattern of notes to prevent monotony. For example, alternating long and short notes can create a lively and dynamic feel.

Question 10: Listen to the description of a melody that frequently uses a rising motif followed by a falling motif. What effect does this create in the music?

Answer: This creates a sense of movement and emotional tension, often conveying excitement or drama as the melody continually ascends and descends.

Question 11: Draw a simple five-note melody that starts on a tonic note, ascends by step to the dominant, then descends back to the tonic. Label the notes using the solfège system (do, re, mi, sol, la, etc.).

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence: do (tonic), re (step up), mi (step up to the dominant), sol (leap or step to the fifth), do (descending back to the tonic).