Melody terminology

Anacrusis

A beat before the first beat of melody. An upbeat.

Conjunct

The melody line moves in steps and sounds as though it is running smoothly between notes

Disjunct

There are large intervals between the notes in the melody line and it sounds as though it jumps between notes. Also see: arpeggaic

Arpeggio/ broken chord

Notes in a chord are played in sequence

Scalic

The notes in a scale played one after the other

Low pitch

A note in the lower register of an instrument

High pitch

A note in the higher register of an instrument.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest notes an instrument can produce OR the interval between the highest and lowest notes in a melody.

Sequence

A short melodic phrase which is repeated at different pitches.

Imitation

The repetition of a melodic phrase usually in a different voice or instrument or at a different dynamic

Repeition

The reoccurrence of a musical phrase, motif, or section at the same or different pitch and/or rhythm.

Contrast

The use of opposing elements in music, such as differing dynamics, textures, or themes, to create interest and variation.

Leitmotif

A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, idea, or emotion, often used in operas and film scores to enhance storytelling.

Motif

A short musical idea or phrase that serves as a building block for a composition, often characterised by its distinctive rhythm or melody.

Octave

An interval of eight notes

Tone

An interval of a step, or two semitones

Major 3rd

An interval of four half steps, determines whether a chord is major or minor

Perfect 4th

An interval of five half steps