Adding a Melody and Song Structure

A melody is the TUNE of a song, the part you hum, whistle, or sing. When you hear Twinkle Twinkle Little Star even without words, you recognize the melody.

Melodies are patterns of HIGH notes and LOW notes arranged in a pleasing order. Just like a roller coaster goes up and down, melodies go up (higher notes) and down (lower notes) and sometimes stay level.

Here is a simple way to create a melody: try saying your lyrics in your normal speaking voice first. Notice how your voice naturally goes up and down? Now EXAGGERATE those ups and downs, make the highs higher and the lows lower. You are starting to create a melody!

Another way: pick just three notes to start, a low note, a middle note, and a high note. Sing your lyrics using only those three notes, moving between them. It does not have to be complicated. Some of the most beloved songs use only a few notes!