Writing a Melody

Six techniques for developing a motif, the shape of a phrase, question-and-answer structure, and habits for steps, leaps and singability.

What's inside

• Six ways to develop a motif — repetition, sequence, inversion, augmentation, diminution, fragmentation — what each changes and why it works
• Three phrase shapes — arch, falling, wave — with what each feels like
• Question and answer: antecedent and consequent phrases, and why regular lengths let a listener notice when one is broken
• Habits for steps, leaps and the singing test, plus writing rhythm first and leaving gaps