Genius Melodic Gestures #2
Adore You

words and music by Amy Allen, Thomas Hull, Tyler Johnson, and Harry Styles What makes this Melody genius? an overview At first, “Adore You” seems like yet one more “simple pop tune” about infatuation. But if we listen closely to the melody of the

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The 24 Universal Melodic Figures

If you’ve ever sensed that certain melodic patterns recur from song to song, your hunch was right! Every song you know is made from just 24 melodic building blocks.

What is a Melodic Figure?

Composers rarely think about melodic figures, and that’s a shame because they offer so many ways to unlock your melodic potential.

Laser Dot Melody

Have you ever wondered why people find melodies so irresistible? Have you ever wondered why our feline friends find laser pointers so irresistible? Could there be a connection? I think so. In fact, I know so. Whenever we hear a melody, our ears “chase”

beatles all you need

How the Beatles Create 6 Dynamic Melodic Effects with Just 3 Notes

Audio enthusiasts have done a great job detailing the many ways that the Beatles’ approach to sound transformed popular music forever. In comparison, we composers have largely failed to show what makes the Beatles’ melodic craftsmanship so exceptional. The more I look into their

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Melodic Building Blocks?

Performers use the word “”play” for music-making. So why don’t composers? Learn how to build melodies with “musical Legos” and you’ll sound more spontaneous.

Don’t Stand So Close to Me

In 1980, a rock band called The Police recorded a song about a raging infection and the social distancing it required. “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” tells the story of an adolescent girl who becomes lovesick over her teacher. But rather than giving