Steps and Leaps in Melody

Learn about steps and leaps in melody: distinguish between stepwise and leap motion

🎵 Stage Brief #2

The contour of a melody is its shape—rising, falling, arching, or staying level.

🎯 Your mission

Hear the line. Hum it back.

⚡ The twist

Going up sounds happier. Going down sounds heavier. That's not magic — that's ears.

What you'll learn

The contour of a melody is its shape—rising, falling, arching, or staying level. Draw the shape while you listen.

Remember

🎧 Listen

Listen for this

🎧 Listen for the highest note. That's usually the most important.

🎼 Notes on the staff

Tap a note to hear it

🌟 Artist spotlight

🌟 Paul McCartney woke up with the melody to 'Yesterday' in his head. He thought he stole it from someone.

🤯 Mind = blown

🤯 Birds and humans both use melody. Whales do too.

Check your understanding · 1 of 3

What is an octave?

Check your understanding · 2 of 3

What does 'conjunct motion' mean in melody?

Check your understanding · 3 of 3

What is melodic contour?

Nice work!

You got 0 of 3 right.

🎯

We'll pick a music lesson that matches exactly where your ear is right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you hear this: The melody you can't get out of your head right now is the result of years of someone else's practice.

🏆 Try this week: Hum your favorite song from memory. Then check — was every note right?

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “Hum the first notes of a song you both love. Can your kid finish it?”

Send it to a parent who wants 5 minutes of music with their kid — no instrument required.

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