Grade 7 Theory: Melodic Compositions In Modern Styles

[cantabile83]

Can anyone please share with me some tips for composing melody in modern styles. I'm currently working on the composition section which is part of the Grade 7 Theory.

Understand that modern ways of composition does not really have a fixed guidelines/steps to follow, as it should be very free & doesnt really have fixed tonality. However, I've tried a few attempts to compose modern styles melody but it seems that there's shadow of Classical elements in it e.g. scale sequences, regular time value,  obvious tonality, etc. - these are the feedback I got from my teacher. So I'm trying to improve on this section.

Appreciate your sharing, thanks lot!!!

[ajspiano]

you could consider putting yourself in a tonality that was not commonly used in earlier periods - use patterns based on whole tone and diminished scales as the key center for example..

or centre yourself on a less common major scale mode - dorian or lydian? phryg if you like something more discordant...