Composing with Motifs, Phrases, and Periods

antecedent phrase

the opening, incomplete-sounding phrase of a melody; often followed by a consequent phrase that brings the melody to closure

consequent phrase

the second phrase of a two-part melodic unit that brings a melody to a point of repose and closure

period phrase structure

a musical structure in which antecedent and consequent phrase units make up a larger whole

tonic note

the pitch that begins and ends the scale of a given key and gives the key its name; the tonal center of the key

A sequence in music is

repeating the same melodic pattern several times at different pitch levels

Motif (music)

is a short melodic or rhythmic passage repeated several times in different sections of a work