Conclusion

When it comes to arranging a melody less is more. A few subtle change is often more impactful than many drastic changes. Remember the key traits of a melody:

• Notes
• Rhythm
• Key
• Contour

Each of these characteristics can be altered to create variation and excitement in a piece and to give the impression of development.

Composition Assignment

Pick a melody, any melody, and write four variations. These variations can use any of the melodic transformations we discussed in this lesson.