Session Three: Vibrational Use of Key and Scale
Melody and Melodic Considerations
Melody can be defined as a rhythmically organized sequence of single tones so related to one another as to make up a particular phrase or idea. The notes are defined by key, scale, and mode.
Creating melodies for radio play or popular consumption may differ somewhat from creating melodies for healing music. Of course we want the melody to be memorable because it is the melody with the lyric, if any, that will continue to do the inner work, alignment, cleansing, empowering long after the song itself is over. Waking up with it or having it randomly circulate through one’s conscious mind throughout the day is the sign that work is being done.
Healing melodies may be simple or complex. They may be short or long. They may be ascending or descending or a combination of both. It all depends on your intention for creating it. Having said that, sometimes we just follow guidance and take what is given, rather than putting something together based on knowledge and technique. That, too, is the domain of healing music, spontaneity and improvisation. But it is also good to know your stuff, too.
If you are creating for a specific chakra then it is wise to consider revisiting the key note often, in a higher or lower octave if necessary. Working around it closely via the notes in the chosen scale can also be useful in breaking up energetic debris to be cleansed. A faster motif that floats quickly can be very useful in shaking loose that which is energetically ready to release. Likewise, slow, gentle extended melodies can go a long way in nurturing a chakra or specific in body location.
Be willing to create melodies that disturb. Questionable intervals done in passing can jar lose stubborn energetic memory and debris. We will be looking more at intervals and chords later. But for now, using 2nds, two notes a half step apart played in succession or together can be powerful. It is a long known element of sound healing that notes that cause discomfort can be just the right frequency to clear that held energy that has been resistant for a long time. When working with emotions like anger and fear these startling sounds have value. Use at your discretion. People often run fast from what is uncomfortable…out of ignorance. Truthfully, staying with the dissonant sound will allow a release of the old and a growing sense of at peace with the sound. By the way, the interval of the second, is a treasured element of the music of the Bulgarian women when they toured the US in the 80’s. This interval, for those who let it in, was a stirring, haunting, evocative sound that was so very engaging.
Finally, know that melody can just be a couple of well placed notes that repeat. Repetition is a powerful element of music that heals as it diverts the conscious mind and allows entrance into the subconscious realm where many of our beliefs and patterns are stored…as a result of habituation throughout our early lives.
We will look at elements of rhythm and healing song composition in an upcoming lesson.
In the player below I have included a variety of melodic samples of songs I have created to demonstrate some key elements. Play the melodic song sample in the player to the right. Set the repeat button to keep listening as you read about the melody. Click on each title for a melodic analysis. Notice how the feel, the mood, the rhythm, the pulse, the lyric, and the instrumentation combine to create the whole statement.
When We Meet Again
In the key of C major this song propels itself forward in a journey of action. The melody is solid, descending into memory and ascending into a new expression of looking forward into reunion down the road. It is in a combination of short motifs that are the collective memories of experience. They weave together into longer phrases that point to a future. It is celebratory.
Session 1 l Session 2 l Session 3 l Session 4 l Session 5 l Session 6 l Session 7 l Session 8 l Session 9 l Session 10 l Session 11 l Session 12
