Lesson 2 of 84 · Melody
⭐ 30 XP🎶 Melody MeadowSteps and Leaps in Melodies
Melodies move by steps (going to the next note) or by leaps (jumping over notes).
🎯 Your mission
Hear the line. Hum it back.
⚡ The twist
Every great melody is just a few notes used really well.
Listen for this
🎧 Hum along. Where does the tune feel like it lands?
Artist Spotlight
🌟 Paul McCartney woke up with the melody to 'Yesterday' in his head. He thought he stole it from someone.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Earworms (songs stuck in your head) usually last 15 to 30 seconds and loop forever.
Learn about steps and leaps in melodies: distinguish between stepwise and leap motion
What You'll Learn
Melodies move by steps (going to the next note) or by leaps (jumping over notes). Steps sound smooth and leaps sound exciting!
Distinguish between stepwise and leap motion
Compose a short melody using 5 notes
Notes on the Staff
Tap a note to hear it
Check Your Understanding
Question 1 of 3
Which lasts longer: a half note or a quarter note?
Where you hear this in real life
The melody you can't get out of your head right now is the result of years of someone else's practice.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Hum your favorite song from memory. Then check — was every note right?
For the dinner table
“Hum the first notes of a song you both love. Can your kid finish it?”
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Steps and Leaps in Melodies
Hear the line. Hum it back.
Full screen — no distractions
Checkout complete lesson on Melody for 2nd Grade
Get the full Melody track as a printable PDF — all lessons, worksheets, and answer keys.