How to WRITE LONGER MUSIC with the REPS METHOD

Expanding Basic Themes Beyond Eight Bars

In this video, Ryan discusses how to expand basic themes beyond eight bars using the reps method. He explains that repetition is a key technique for expanding themes and shows how it can be used in the beginning, middle, and end of a theme. He also discusses extending ideas as another way to expand themes.

Repetition

• The reps method involves repeating existing material immediately.

• Repeating the ending of a theme is almost always effective and gives an opportunity for a deceptive cadence.

• Call and response is more effective than repeating the beginning of a theme in the period form.

• Repetition in the middle of a theme usually kills momentum.

Extension

• Extending an idea means stretching it beyond its expected length.

• Sequencing is useful for extending ideas while maintaining their shape.

• Extending the middle means continuing along the path already set up.

• You can extend the ending by stretching out time towards your cadence.

Overall, Ryan provides helpful tips on how to expand basic themes beyond eight bars using repetition and extension techniques.

Adding Repetition, Extension and Pause to Your Melodies

In this section, we will learn how to add repetition, extension and pause to our melodies. We will explore where these techniques work best in a melody and how they can be used effectively.

Adding Extension

• Extending works well in all sections of a melody.

• The continuation section of a sentence naturally lends itself well to sequencing and expanding.

• Extending at the beginning or end of a melody can create restlessness or tension respectively.

• One way to extend at the beginning is by finding a point of natural breath and holding on to that breath for longer.

• Another way is by adding a little intro before the main melody starts.

Adding Pause

• Pausing involves staying within an idea for longer than expected before moving on.

• Pausing near the beginning can build up suspense while pausing at the end can prolong the conclusion.

• However, pausing in the middle will probably kill momentum.

• One way to pause at the beginning is by finding a point of natural breath and holding on to that breath for longer.

• Another way is by using false start where it takes your melody a couple tries to rev up and get going. This creates that sense of craving for things to move on without repeating the whole phrase.

Where Pause Works Best

• Holding before the onset of a cadential phrase especially if there is a natural breath in the theme where you could hold for a moment without disrupting the flow.

Recap

• Repeating, extending, pausing are great ways to add interest and variety into your melodies.

• Study music that speaks to you and try writing your own melody using these techniques.