Writing a melody

A memorable melody is not an accident. Songwriters and composers use a few simple tools again and again.

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Phrases and shape

A melody is a sequence of single notes that makes a tune.
Melodies are built from phrases, often 4 bars long. A question phrase sounds unfinished; an answer phrase sounds finished, often ending on the tonic.
Give the melody a climax: a high point, usually in the second half rather than at the very start.
The range is the distance from the lowest to the highest note. Keep it singable.

Tools for developing ideas

A motif is a short musical idea. Develop it with:
Repetition: play it again exactly.
Sequence: repeat it starting on a higher or lower note.
Variation: change part of it, such as its rhythm.
Move mostly by step (conjunct), with some leaps (disjunct) for interest.

Setting words

When writing a song, match the strong beats to the stressed syllables of the words.
Syllabic setting uses one note per syllable. Melismatic setting stretches one syllable over several notes (a melisma).
Most melodies sit on top of chords: notes that belong to the chord on a strong beat sound stable.
Worked example

A motif is C D E. Write it as a rising sequence twice, then explain why this is useful.

  1. A sequence repeats the motif starting one note higher (or lower) each time.
  2. C D E, then D E F, then E F G.
  3. This develops the idea while keeping it recognisable, so the melody feels unified.

Answer: C D E, D E F, E F G: the idea is repeated at higher pitches, which develops it while keeping the melody unified.

Key idea

Build melodies from phrases (often 4 bars) in question and answer pairs, ending answers on the tonic. Develop a motif by repetition, sequence and variation. Syllabic means one note per syllable; a melisma is one syllable over many notes.

Key words
Tonic
The first note of a scale: the home note of a key.
Motif
A short musical idea that can be repeated and developed.
Sequence
A motif repeated starting on a higher or lower note.
Melisma
One syllable of a word sung over several notes.
Conjunct
A melody moving by step, to neighbouring notes.
Disjunct
A melody moving by leaps rather than steps.

All KS3 Music key terms and definitions →

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  1. A motif C D E is followed by D E F, then E F G. What device is this?

    1. Exact repetition
    2. Sequence
    3. Inversion
    4. Retrograde
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    Answer: Sequence

    The shape repeats at higher pitches.

  2. The famous four-note 'da-da-da-DUM' opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is an example of what?

    1. A coda
    2. A cadence
    3. A motif
    4. A drone
    Show the answer

    Answer: A motif

    A motif is a short, recognisable idea.

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Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.