Melody
series of single notes that add up to a recognizable whole
step
interval between two adjacent tones in the “do-re-mi” scale
leap
any interval larger than a step (“do to me”)
melody’s range
distance between its lowest and highest tones
climax
emotional focal point; often the highest tone of a melody
legato
connected style; smooth
staccato
short, detached style
phrases
shorter parts of melodies
sequence
repetition of a melodic pattern at a higher or lower pitch
cadence
resting place at the end of a phrase – point of arrival
incomplete cadence
setting up expectations
complete cadence
gives a sense of finality
theme
melody serves as a starting point for a more extended piece of music and, in stretching out, will go through all kinds of changes