Lesson 4: Melody and harmony creation

Objective: Students will understand the basics of melody and harmony and how to use them in Soundation. Materials: Computers with internet access, Soundation accounts, speakers, headphones, and optional MIDI controllers.

Activities:

1. 1
   Introduction to melody (10 mins):

   • Explanation of melody, scale, and key.
   • Demonstrate creating a simple melody in Soundation by drawing in notes in the piano roll or recording with a MIDI controller.
2. 2
   Introduction to harmony (15 mins):

   • Explain the concept of harmony and chords.
   • Show how to add chords to a melody in Soundation.
3. 3
   Melody and harmony exercise (25 mins):

   • Students create a melody and harmonize it with chords.
4. 4
   Discussion (10 mins):

   • Review student projects and discuss the emotional impact of different melodies and harmonies.

Assignment:

Create an 8-bar melodic phrase with harmony and vary the dynamics for emotional effect.

Tips:

• Scales: Use simple scales like C major and A minor (all white keys).
• Chords: Use the “Basic Chords” MIDI loops from the “MIDI melodies and chords” section of the sound library (diatonic triad chord progressions in the keys of C major and A minor).