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

Related Music A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is sonata form, and how can I identify it when analyzing a piece of music?


Compare two of the set works for A level, focussing on instrumentation and structure.


Referring to extracts from your anthology of scores, explain your incorporation of two different musical techniques within your composition.


Discuss how Sondheim utilises Melody and Harmony in "Agony" from "Into The Woods"