Question 1: Describe the main characteristics of a simple, catchy melody. Consider elements such as pitch, rhythm, and repetition in your answer.

Answer: A simple, catchy melody typically features a limited range of pitches, regular rhythmic patterns, and repetitive motifs to make it memorable and easy to sing.

Question 2: Listen carefully to a melody that uses a stepwise movement (notes moving to adjacent pitches). How does this movement affect the melody's overall feel?

Answer: Stepwise movement creates a smooth, flowing, and gentle feel, making the melody sound lyrical and easy to follow.

Question 3: Identify and describe the difference between a conjunct and a disjunct melody.

Answer: A conjunct melody moves mainly in small intervals between adjacent notes, creating a smooth line. A disjunct melody features larger leaps between notes, making it sound more angular and expressive.

Question 4: Listen to a melody that features a repeated rhythmic pattern. How does repetition of rhythm contribute to the melody’s memorability?

Answer: Repetition of rhythm helps listeners recognize and remember the melody more easily by establishing a familiar pattern.

Question 5: Sketch a simple melody using the following instructions: Start on middle C, move up by a step to D, then jump up a third to F, and return down to D. Use a clear and even rhythm in your sketch.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence of notes: C (on the first beat), D (on the second beat), F (on the third beat), and D (on the fourth beat), with consistent note values.

Question 6: Explain why variety in pitch and rhythm is important when composing a melody.

Answer: Variety in pitch and rhythm keeps the melody interesting, prevents it from sounding monotonous, and helps convey different emotions or musical ideas.

Question 7: Identify the scale that a melody might be based on if it predominantly uses notes from the C major scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.

Answer: C major scale.

Question 8: Listen to a melody that ends on a different note than it started on. What effect does this ending have on the overall feeling of the melody?

Answer: Ending on a different note creates a sense of tension or an unfinished feeling, making the listener curious about what happens next.

Question 9: Draw a short four-note melody that uses a leap (large interval) followed by a step in the opposite direction. Label the notes as C, D, E, F, and indicate the leap and step clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence like C, E (leap of a third), then D (step down), with notes labeled accordingly, demonstrating the leap and step movement.

Question 10: Describe how the use of accidentals (sharps or flats) can change the mood or character of a melody.

Answer: Accidentals can add tension, surprise, or a different emotional quality to a melody by altering the expected pitches, making it more expressive or dramatic.

Question 11: Explain what is meant by the term 'motif' in melody writing and give an example of how a motif can be developed in a composition.

Answer: A motif is a short, distinctive musical idea or pattern. It can be developed by repeating it with variations, changing rhythms, or expanding it to create a longer melody.