Makam Melody Repetition Questions

As we noted, melody repetition is the type of aptitude test exercise that requires the most practice. We should examine it in two separate categories.

1. Repeating tonal melodies

2. Repeating makam-based melodies

In other words, you will be asked to repeat two melodies in the exam: one tonal and one makam-based. They will differ considerably in structure. What are those differences? Let us begin by understanding the words “tonal” and “makam-based”.

The English adjective “tonal” means relating to pitch or tone. In music it describes a relationship to a central or fundamental note and its key. “Makam-based” has a similar meaning here: belonging to a makam, a fundamental note and its associated pitches. The difference is that Turkish music uses the word “makam”, whereas Western art music uses “key”. In this sense, speaking of a song's key or makam points in a similar direction. Yet a Western musician would not describe a Mozart song by its makam, just as a Turkish classical piece would not normally be described using “key”. That is the terminology; we need not explore it further in this article.

The important point is to remember that a tonal melody question calls for Western art-music melodies, while a makam question calls for Turkish melodies. Recall and imagine the appropriate kinds of tune.

Let us examine the question types in more detail:

Repeating Tonal Melodies:

Usually in simple metres such as 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4, and sometimes in compound metres such as 6/8 or 9/8.

Four to eight bars long, with approximately 8–24 notes in a major or minor key, often using a harmonic scale.

It begins with the tonic chord and usually ends on the tonic note, though it may sometimes end with the effect of a half cadence.

It often includes the tonic–subdominant–dominant–tonic chord progression (I–IV–V–I).

The melody may include altered notes outside the key.

Repeating Makam-Based Melodies:

Usually in mixed or asymmetrical (aksak) metres such as 5/8, 7/8 or 9/8, though simple metres used in tonal melodies may also appear.

Four to eight bars long, with approximately 8–24 notes.

The melodies are based on makams such as Rast, Kürdi or Hicaz.

The melody may be an excerpt from a song or folk song.

I hope these small tips have made things easier. Through practice and trying many questions, you may discover other methods too. With sustained work and determination, there is no exam you cannot succeed in.

Pelin Aşkın Kumova
Rekor Sanat – Piano and Aural Skills Teacher