Unit Plan 12 (Grade 7 Orchestra): Motives & Melody Writing

Focus: Create a short string melody that uses clear motives, purposeful contour, meaningful repetition/variation, and a satisfying resolution to tonic within a given key and meter.

Grade Level: 7

Subject Area: Orchestra (Creativity • Composition • Melodic Design)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, Grade 7 orchestra students move from improvising ideas in the moment to designing and writing their own short melodies. They study how composers use motives—small musical ideas that repeat and change—to build memorable tunes with clear contour (shape) and resolution. Using familiar keys, meters, and finger patterns, students plan, draft, and notate an 8–12 measure melody that features a repeated motive, a sense of musical conversation (question/answer), and a strong ending on tonic. The week ends with a Melody Share & Reflection, where students perform or have their melodies performed and explain their compositional choices.

Essential Questions

• What is a motive, and how can repeating and varying a motive make a melody more memorable?
• How does melodic contour (up, down, steps, skips) affect the way a melody feels and sounds?
• Why is resolution (especially endings on tonic) important for making a melody feel “finished”?
• How can planning and notating a melody in a given key and meter help us express a clear musical idea?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe motives and contour patterns in simple melodies.
2. Create at least one short motive and use repetition and variation to build a longer melody.
3. Write a 8–12 measure melody in a given key and meter that shows purposeful contour, repetition, and resolution (ending on tonic or a strong cadence note).
4. Notate their melody correctly on the staff for their instrument, including key signature, time signature, and accurate rhythms within the meter.
5. Perform or have their melody performed and explain how their compositional choices support clarity and resolution.

Standards Alignment — Grade 7 Orchestra (custom, NAfME-style)

• OR:Cr1.7b — Create short string melodies or rhythmic motives within a given key and meter, showing purposeful contour, repetition, and resolution.
  • Example: Students compose an 8–12 measure melody with a repeated motive and a clear ending on tonic.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can explain what a motive is and find it in simple melodies.
• I can create a short motive and repeat or change it to build a longer melody.
• I can shape my melody with a clear contour and make it feel finished by ending on a strong note (usually tonic).
• I can write my melody on the staff with a correct key signature, time signature, and rhythms that fit the meter.
• I can perform or listen to my melody and explain how I used repetition, contour, and resolution on purpose.