Contrary motion is when two melodic lines travel in opposite directions. That is, when one of the lines moves up, the other line moves down.

Oblique motion is when one melodic line stays the same while another changes. That is, when one of the lines moves up/down, the other line stays the same.

Parallel motion is when two melodic lines moves in the same direction at the same interval. That is, when one of the lines moves up/down, the other line does the exact same.

Similar motion is when two melodic lines moves in the same direction at different interval. That is, when one of the lines moves up/down, the other line does the same but at a different rate.

Phrases and motifs moving in steps

A constantly moving bass line typically found in Jazz music

An alternating arpeggio pattern, typically 1 5 3 5 1 5 3 5. Mainly used in a harmonic layer and found in classical music.

A bass note that stays the same while the chord progression or motifs continue

A restatement of a theme or idea

A continually repeated pattern

Draw the melody!

Decoration added to a melody to make it more interesting.

Range = Distance from lowest to highest note in a phrase

WIDE range or NARROW range

Register = Every instrument has a low, middle and high register

A repeated phrase that is raised or lowered

Separating a chord by ascending or descending through it

Separating chords randomly

A series of notes played simultaneously

Ties, slurs, legato, staccato, accent

Chords that finish a phrase/section

Perfect: Chord V to Chord I

Plagal: Chord IV to Chord I

Interrupted: Chord V to Chord iv

A held note over changing chords, typically in the melody or harmonic layer