How to Create a Melody from Chords | A Simple Composition Process

How do you create a melody when you already have a chord progression? In this video, we explore a simple and practical way to build a melody from chords. Starting with the notes of the chords, we look at how to distribute them, keep the melody within a comfortable range, use smooth movement between chords, and choose notes that belong to the harmony. We also explore how small melodic movements, neighboring and passing tones, rhythmic motifs, phrasing, dynamics, and repetition can help transform a few simple notes into a musical idea. But perhaps the most important part of the process is this: don't overthink it. When composing, we need to allow ourselves to write both good and bad ideas. Once an idea is on the page, we can decide whether to keep it, transform it, or move on to something else. The goal is not to find the perfect idea immediately, but to create enough ideas for the music to begin taking shape. 🎵 In this lesson, we explore: • Finding chords that correspond to the notes • Working with C major, G major and A minor • Using common notes between chords • Moving voices as little as possible • Keeping the melody within a manageable range • Beginning with structural notes that belong to the chord • Using passing and neighboring tones • Creating and repeating rhythmic motifs • Thinking about phrasing, breath and dynamics • Developing ideas instead of waiting for the “perfect” melody Any idea can be the beginning of a composition. #MusicComposition #HowToCompose #CreateAMelody #MusicEducation #Composition #MusicTheory #igcsemusic #gcsemusic