Grade 8 Melody Writing FULL MARKS Secret (Pt. 1 Simple Time Major Regular Phrase) | ABRSM Exam Hacks

Welcome to Part 1 of my Grade 8 melody writing series, where I introduce the simplest and most basic type of melody writing that can appear in ABRSM Grade 8 Music Theory Question 3: simple time, regular phrases in a major key. This lesson is specially designed for students who want to understand the logic behind melody writing step by step, instead of guessing and hoping for the best in the exam. In this video, I show you how to identify the correct key, how to recognise whether the music is in major or minor, and how to begin constructing a strong answer using a proven full marks template. We work through the opening bars carefully and learn how to continue the melody using the correct chord plan, phrase structure, melodic direction, and cadence writing. If you have always found melody writing confusing, this lesson will help you see that there is actually a very clear structure behind it. One of the biggest secrets to scoring well in melody writing is understanding that this question is not random composition. It follows musical principles that have been used by classical composers for generations. In my method, I teach students how to shape their answer using ternary form, where the opening section returns later to create a complete and convincing structure. I also show how imitation technique helps the melody stay in the correct opening style, and how sequences in the middle section help the music build naturally towards a climax. These are the melody writing hacks that many students are never taught, but they are exactly the kind of details that make a melody sound musical, logical, and examiner-friendly. In this Part 1 lesson, we focus on the most accessible starting point so that you can build a strong foundation. We cover how to use the tonic, subdominant, and dominant chords, how to lead the melody towards tonic and leading note at the correct places, how to shape imperfect and perfect cadences, and how to add passing notes, auxiliary notes, slurs, and dynamics so the answer looks complete and polished. This is the first step towards understanding how to write a melody that can score full marks. However, this is only one out of the 9 important melody writing types that students need to know in order to be fully prepared for the exam. Many students think they can just learn one easy type and avoid the rest, but in the real exam, the choices may include more difficult options such as minor key writing, irregular phrases, anacrusis openings, compound time, and more complex structures. That is why I created a complete members-only melody writing course to teach all 9 types in depth. Members-Only Melody Writing Series Inside my members-only videos, I go much deeper into the more advanced and complicated melody writing types, including: Simple time, regular phrases in minor Simple time, irregular phrases in major Simple time, irregular phrases in minor Simple time, fragmented phrases in minor Compound time, regular phrases in major Compound time, regular phrases in minor Compound time, irregular phrases in major Compound time, irregular phrases in minor These members-only lessons are designed to help students move beyond basic understanding and become truly exam-ready. You will learn how to apply my proven template across all 9 types, how to avoid hidden mistakes that cost marks, and how to write with much more confidence, speed, and accuracy. Why Join the Members-Only Videos? If you join my members-only course, you will benefit from: A full breakdown of all 9 melody writing types Deeper explanations of full marks strategies Step-by-step walkthroughs of more difficult exam questions Clear guidance on imitation, sequences, ternary form, cadence planning, modulation, and climax-building More advanced melody writing hacks that are not usually taught in ordinary lessons Better preparation for scoring distinction in Grade 8 Music Theory Membership Information My members-only melody writing lessons are available for SGD$75 per month and you may cancel anytime. This gives students the flexibility to learn intensively for the exam period without a long-term commitment. If you are looking for music theory lessons in Singapore, or if you want a systematic and musical approach to ABRSM Grade 8 melody writing, this series will help you build a much stronger foundation and prepare with confidence. My teaching method is especially helpful for students who want not only to pass, but to aim for high marks or full marks. Thank you for watching this Part 1 lesson. I hope it gives you a much clearer starting point for Question 3. If you would like to continue with the more advanced types, do join my members-only series and learn all 9 melody writing types in a much deeper and more structured way. Please remember to like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you inside the members area. Whatsapp +65 98256286 for lessons and marking test papers