Melodic Construction and Development

Melodic Construction

The term melody refers to a sequence of single notes that create a musical phrase or tune.
A melody can be created using different steps and skips, steps (or conjunct) being when it moves from one note to the next in the scale, skips (or disjunct) when it jumps between nonadjacent notes.
A melody will also typically contain a mix of different note values, such as quarter notes, half notes, eigth notes, etc., which provide the rhythm component of the melody.
Melodies often follow a tonal center, which means they are based on a scale or key. This gives the melody a ‘home’ note or tonic, and a set of pitches that work well together.
A melody must also be contoured, meaning it has an overall shape or pattern to its movement. Contours can be ascending, descending, or undulating.
Phrase structure, or how the melody is broken into smaller parts, contributes to the development of melody. A phrase is a musical sentence, which often ends in a natural pause or breath.
The motif or theme is the smallest recognizable unit of a melody that is repeated or developed throughout a piece of music.

Melodic Development

Repetition is often used to create familiarity and catchiness, and can be used in varied forms (exact, sequence, inversion, retrograde).
Sequence is one way of developing a melody, where a motif or a section of melody is repeated, often at a higher or lower pitch.
Inversion is when the melodic line is turned upside down, so that the shape of the melody is reflected about a central pitch.
Retrograde is when the melodic fragments are reversed in their order of pitch.
Augmentation is a method of melodic development where note values are lengthened, and diminution where note values are shortened.
Adding ornamentation (like trills, grace notes, etc.) could enhance and beautify the melody.
Modulation, or changing the key in a piece of music, can add interest or change the mood of a melody.
The harmonic context (the chords and harmony that accompany a melody) can dramatically affect how a melody is perceived and experienced.