Modal Melody Composition MUS 110 Syllabus  MUS 110 Schedule  William Wieland
Compose a modal melody.
Initial Week — Read Modes, name that mode, and identify the mode used to create these melodies. Ask for the answers.

— Before Wednesday, describe the character of each of those melodies and its corresponding mode in your own words at D2L > MUS 110 > Communications > Discuss > Compositions and Critiques > The Vibe of Four Modes

— Before Friday at 5:00 pm, compose a modal melody or two.
  • Ensure that the first pitch of your mode is prominent.
  • Favor stepwise motion over leaps.
  • Highlight the unique traits of your chosen mode, e.g. the lowered second scale degree of Phyrgian.
Over the Weekend — Forget about this composition.
 
Subsequent Week — Listen to your melody with fresh ears and make any final revisions.

— Before Wednesday, post your composition for the class.
  1. Upload an mp3 file to D2L > MUS 110 > Communications > Discuss > Compositions and Critiques > Modal Melody Compositions (To create an mp3 file, look under the Edit menu for Export.)
  2. Write your title in the subject box.
  3. Add program notes, i.e. at least 3 sentences which describe or explain your melody and/or your compositional intention. Mention the atmosphere or character of your mode and melody.
— Before Friday at 5:00 pm, critique at least 2 melodies by your classmates.
  • If possible, please choose at least one melody which no one else has reviewed.
  • Comment upon a musical feature you thought had artistic merit and why.
  • Offer constructive criticism (one suggestion).
Grading Rubric
  • Mode Descriptions — 11 points (5 points for late descriptions)
  • Satisfactory Composition — 60 points (40 points for a late composition)
  • 3-Sentence Description — 9 points (6 points for a late 3-sentence description)
  • 2 Critiques — 20 points (10 points for 2 late critiques)