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About this quote

What does it mean?
Copeland claims rhythm is the fundamental source of melody.
In plain terms
Melody is built on rhythm.
What can you take from it?
Rhythm underpins melody in music.

Where it applies

  • music theory
  • composition

Putting it to work

  • focusing on rhythm in writing

Questions to consider

  • Which comes first, rhythm or melody?

Another view

Many composers prioritize melody over rhythm.

More from Stewart Copeland

  1. [If] you don't have any soul and you don't have any talent, jazz is what you should do. ... any fool can do it; all you gotta do is practice.

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