here is my legendary Modal Composition Challenge:

1. Write an 8 bar melody in each of C scale's modes, i.e. Ionian, Aeolian, Lydian.

If you need more info on what a mode is, take some time and read:
http://musictheoryfundamentals.com/.....eory/modes.php

Or ask me. That might be easier.


2. Then make a pedal point of a single tone underneath each melody, and change that pedal point all through the C scale for each separate mode.

A pedal point is just a note that is sustained, usually in the bass.

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The point of this challenge is to hear how modal melodies interact with different root notes. It's like building a palette of moods you can pull from.

Some examples of how to go about doing this challenge:

Ionian:
Write a melody beginning on the C note and have a sustained bass note that begins at C, listen to how that sounds. Replay the song, but this time, raise or lower the bass note C to a D or B. Then raise or lower D to E or B to A. And so on and so forth.

Dorian:
Write a melody beginning on the D note but with the notes of a C scale and have a sustained bass note at D. Then re-listen with a different bass note.

Let me know how it goes, and if you have any questions, send me a note or leave a comment.

Good luck, music-furs!