Writing melodies for theme and variation.

Hey, I'm kinda new to composing, and for my AS level composition I'm doing a theme and variations kind of thing. I was just wondering, how do people get that first melody in their heads, and how do they develop it? I'm having real trouble at this first stage, so I'm looking for help.

The simplest melodies usually make the best themes for variation. When we look at famous sets of variations, such as Mozart's on "Ah, Vous Dirais-Je, Maman" (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star), Beethoven's on "Nel Cor, Piu Non Mi Sento" and "Waltz by Diabelli," Brahms' on "a Theme of Haydn," etc., the common thread is that all are on simple tunes - in some cases almost silly or childish. The simplicity of the tune and its harmonic structure creates greater opportunities for development.

I cannot tell you how to get the first melody into your head, but I can only suggest that you sketch a number of different ideas that come to you, and choose the simplest and most tuneful. Melodies in a binary structure (part1-part2) work well. Then begin to imagine how you can either embellish the tune, write a new tune over the same harmonies, change the accompaniment to the tune, etc. or combinations of all of these. You might even change the metre or the tempo.

Check this out to see how others in this community have met the same kind of challenge you're facing: YC Variations on a Theme by Mozart

Perhaps others here may have more suggestions. Good luck!

My professor is making me write a theme and variations, too. It may help to take an already popular theme and work that one first before coming up with your own. :)