13365 / 18210 · Workshop 104 — Writing Strong Original Melodies: Motif, Contour, Repetition, Tension, Climax, and How to Make a New Tune Feel Inevitable Instead of Random← prev⊞ allnext →
104.187A practical melody-writing workflow
Pass 1 — rhythm
Write memorable attack/rest pattern.
Pass 2 — contour
Choose shape.
Pass 3 — motif pitches
Keep vocabulary small.
Pass 4 — phrase targets
Choose destinations.
Pass 5 — repetition/variation
Establish then alter.
Pass 6 — climax
Reserve register/duration/tension.
Pass 7 — harmony
Support or reinterpret.
Pass 8 — edit
Remove notes that do not strengthen identity.