Q. What are some basic ways to develop a motif in composition?

A. Broadly, there are three ways: using smaller note values in your existing motif e.g. crotchets to quavers; adding ornaments/decorations e.g. trills, mordents, grace notes or just extra notes to fill an interval - this adds character and keeps the listener interested; adding more complex rhythmic patterns to the music, but having the melody accented inbetween (also termed 'voice-leading').

ES
Answered by Emily S. Music tutor

8369 Views

See similar Music A Level tutors

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

Listen to Dido's Lament: 'When I am laid in earth' - Purcell, whilst reading the score. List 5 musical and/or thematic reasons that shows this is an example of Baroque music ex


What are the different types of movements used in Baroque choral works?


Why does my set work only partially conform to Sonata Form?


Describe the Free fantasia style used by C.P.E Bach in the late 18th Century.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning