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 ▸

How do I develop a composition?


What is a tone row?


What is the difference between Romantic and 20th century music?


What are the elements of the Classical Sonata Form?